ANSWER: The phrase, “If then you were raised with Christ” (Colossians 3:1) is understood in light of Colossians 2:11-13. In verse eleven, Paul discusses the circumcision of Christ by which the body of the sins of the flesh are put off. In verse twelve, he tells us when those sins are put off: It is when ye are “buried with Him in baptism, where in also ye are risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised Him from the dead. And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath He made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses.” It becomes clear then that the phrase in chapter three, verse one, “If then you were raised with Christ” alludes to a spiritual resurrection at baptism, during which one, having been dead in sin, puts off sin and consequently is risen or made alive in Christ. Since this is the case with one who has been baptized; one who has been made alive, he or she is to “seek those things which are above” (vs.2) and to mortify (put to death) in our bodies the sins of the earth, such as fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil desires, and covetousness, which is idolatry (vs.5).