Book Review: Hidden with Christ in God

Christology (the study of who Jesus is and what he has done) is fundamental to understanding and living out our Christian faith. Paul’s letter to the Colossians addresses critical issues facing the early church, emphasizing that Jesus is the very fullness of God, and the cornerstone of our faith.

In Hidden with Christ in God, Kevin McFadden invites us on a journey through Colossians (and also Philemon), examining these powerful themes with clarity and warmth. He explores how Paul’s teachings reveal our identity as being “hidden with Christ,” a concept that fosters both comfort and transformation. McFadden does a fantastic job of connecting the rich theology of Colossians and Philemon to our everyday lives, showing how understanding our position in Christ can profoundly impact how we navigate challenges and relationships.

In five brief chapters (plus a prologue and epilogue), McFadden dives deep and remains engaging in a format similar to many commentaries. The first chapter focuses on Christ as our hope and the many implications hope has on the Christian life. The second chapter explores the idea of Jesus as God’s revelation - his fullness, image, and wisdom - and how he informs the way we engage with other worldviews. The third chapter addresses the resurrection of Christ and how we share in it - his defeat of sin and death, and our new life in him. The fourth chapter follows Paul’s typical model in providing practical implications for Christian life based on the preceding theological concepts. The fifth and final chapter examines the theology of Philemon, which is a condensed complement to the ideas in Colossians.

What I loved about this book is how engaging and relatable McFadden’s writing is. He takes complex theological ideas and makes them feel accessible, encouraging readers to reflect on their faith in meaningful ways. His insights challenge us to embrace our identity in Christ fully, and live out our faith with confidence, joy, and conviction.

I wholeheartedly recommend Hidden with Christ in God to anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Christology and its practical implications for their life. Whether you’re mature in your faith, or just beginning to explore your relationship with Jesus more deeply, McFadden’s work offers valuable insights that will enrich your faith and help you grow closer to Christ. It is surprisingly accessible despite its depth, and it will be a wonderful companion throughout our sermon series on Colossians.