Being 'hid with Christ in God' means calling, election is sure
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"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
"Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth."For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.
"When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory." (Col. 3:1-4)
In the above scripture, Paul apparently was speaking to those who had sanctified or intended to sanctify themselves to the point where they were "dead" as to things of a carnal or worldly nature. He was enjoining them to place their esteem on eternal attainments.
The Prophet Joseph Smith clarified this scripture when, on May 16, 1843, he, with William Clayton, was at the home of Benjamin F. Johnson.
As recorded in History of the Church 5:391, he wrote:
"Before retiring, I gave Brother and Sister Johnson some instructions on the priesthood; and putting my hand on the knee of William Clayton, I said: `Your life is hid with Christ in God, and so are many others. Nothing but the unpardonable sin can prevent you from inheriting eternal life for you are sealed up by the power of the Priesthood unto eternal life, having taken the step necessary for that purpose.' "
In other words, having one's life "hid with Christ in God" means having one's calling and election made sure, according to Elder Bruce R. McConkie's Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, vol. 3 p. 35. Those so blessed, according to verse 4, will appear with Christ in glory at His Second Coming, Elder McConkie explained.
