Dead, Hidden and Alive (Col. 3:3)

This verse answers why you should "keep seeking the things above" (Col. 3:1) and continue to "set your mind on the things above" (Col. 3:2).

Reason #1.  "For you have died."  This is death to sin, death to self, death to sinful flesh (the part of you that doesn't want to do God's will or serve Him).  It is not physical death referred to here.  "Died" is in the aorist tense, indicating a one-time decision with ever-continuing consequence.  If there is no initial dying to self, then there can be no claim to living in Christ.

Reason #2.  "Your life is hidden with Christ."  That which is hidden will eventually be revealed.  What element of new life is yet to be discovered?  Whatever it is it can only be good, falling under the category "abundant" (Jn. 10:10b).  In Christ and because of grace, you're a dead living man and a living dead man (cf. Rom. 6:8-11). 

Gal. 2:20; 1 Jn. 3:2.