The bible makes so many references to being ‘In Christ’. Many times, being ‘In Christ’ carries a promise from God.
The position of ‘In Christ’ is essential to our walk with the Lord. It is a deep, transformative union with Jesus Christ, meaning that when someone believes in Christ, they are spiritually united with Him, sharing in His life, death, and resurrection (Rom 6:1-6). This union impacts every aspect of our lives as believers, both now and eternally. Here are some key aspects:
- New Identity: When we’re ‘In Christ,’ we are seen by God as righteous because of Jesus’s sacrifice. This new identity means we are no longer defined by our past sins or failures but by Christ’s righteousness.
- Spiritual Transformation: Being ‘In Christ’ means that the Holy Spirit works within us to transform our character, helping us become more like Jesus in our thoughts, actions, and desires. This transformation is often referred to as sanctification.
- Belonging to God’s Family: ‘In Christ’, we become part of the body of believers, the Church. This new family spans across the globe and history, united by faith in Jesus.
- Eternal Security: Being ‘In Christ’ assures us of eternal life with God. It means that we have been saved from the consequences of sin and are promised a future in God’s presence.
- Empowerment: ‘In Christ’, we have access to God’s power through the Holy Spirit. This empowerment helps us to live a godly life and to fulfil God’s purposes for us.
- Peace and Rest: Being ‘In Christ’ provides a deep sense of peace and rest, knowing that our lives are secure in God’s hands and that we are loved unconditionally.
So… where is this place of ‘In Christ’?
Paul tells us in the book of Ephesians that God raised Jesus from the dead and seated Him at the right-hand side of the Father in heavenly places (Eph.1:20). Now, the exciting thing is that Paul goes on to say that God raised us up together with Christ and seated us with Him in heavenly places!! Isn’t that an amazing thought? – especially that the scripture speaks in the past tense…. already done!! (Eph.2:5-6).
If the Lord gives us revelation of this fact, then we need to ask ourselves: Where then is our true spiritual home? Correct, it’s in heavenly places – in Christ Jesus – at the right hand of the Father!
Paul gives us some more good news in Eph 1:13-14, when he says that after listening to the Gospel of Jesus and believing it, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit, which is given to us as a promise that our position ‘in Christ’, at the right hand of the Father in heavenly places, is guaranteed!
We become aware of the Holy Spirit in us when we are convicted of our sinful ways and we start to hear that still small voice leading us into truth.
As our relationship with the Lord Jesus deepens, the transformation in our lives from the old ways to the new ways begins. We desire more and more to DO the things God asks us to do. As we DO the things God asks of us, we move to a position of ‘in Christ’. In other words, being ‘in Christ’ is no more than how we walk with the Lord here on earth.
The more we obey Godly principles, the deeper we move ‘in Christ’. Examples of God’s principles include:
- Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap (Gal.6:7-8).
- For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you (Matt 7:2).
- In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you (Matt 7:12).
- Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back (Luke6:30).
So whilst ‘In Christ’ is positional in heavenly places, it is also a place we transform to – on a daily basis.
As mentioned, being ‘In Christ’ carries promises from God. Here are just a few examples:
- New Creation: We are made new, with old things passing away and all things becoming new (2 Corinthians 5:17).
- Forgiveness and Righteousness: Our sins are forgiven, and we are made righteous (Ephesians 1:7; 1 John 1:9).
- Our sinful nature is destroyed: We are given a new resurrected life. Our old human nature (the one that likes to sin) died on the cross with Jesus (Romans 6:1-6)
- Eternal Life: We have the promise of eternal life (John 3:16; Romans 6:23).
- Inheritance: We are co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17).
- Indwelling Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit lives in us, guiding and empowering us as well as guaranteeing our spiritual inheritance. (1 Corinthians 3:16; John 14:16-17).
The more we obey Godly principles on a daily basis, the more God’s promises will be evident in our lives.
Lord, help us to seek You every day. Strengthen us and draw us closer to You daily, so that we will be aware of being ‘in Christ’. Show me what it means to be ‘in You’… Amen
Blessings
Time with The Master….