Things That Are Above
If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Col 3:1
It is helpful to distinguish between those aspects of our salvation which we have in heaven and those aspects which take place here on earth. For example, your title to ownership of a car has its authority in the place of government but you use it where you are.
Thus, justification takes place before the throne of God in heaven and we enjoy the blessings from it here on earth.
When we believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, God does a number of things which will enable us to stand in His holy presence. (compare with Col 3:1-4 Eph 1:3-11).
- He imputes to us the righteousness which Christ accomplished and justifies us on the ground of Christ's righteousness alone. Rom 4:24 Rom 8:33
- We are baptized into Jesus Christ so that God imputes to us that we died with Christ and rose with Him. Col 2:12 Col 3:3
- He gives us the authority to become His children John 1:12 Gal 3:26
Believers have these "things that are above" by the authority of God.
"Authority that flows from His throne unto His own."
They are things which cannot be shaken (c.f. Heb 12:28).
They are as eternal and unchangeable as the throne of God, and are the basis of our standing before Him in heaven.
As believers we have them now.
Things that are Below
Colossians 3:1-4 refers to "things that are above", but the word "therefore" in verse 5 directs our attention to things that are below, that is to our practical life. Good practice is always to be based on sound doctrine (John 17:17). The things that are above motivate and strengthen us to forsake sin and live for righteousness, or to do the "things that are below."