In Christ

To be in Christ means to be united with him. We know that this occurs by faith through baptism (Romans 6:3-5, Galatians 3:27) but sometimes when we talk about being in Christ, we forget some of the specific things that it entails. Consider a few of the blessings that scripture tells us we have when we are in Christ.

• All spiritual blessings – Ephesians 1:3
• Redemption and forgiveness of sins – Ephesians 1:7
• No condemnation – Romans 8:1
• Eternal life – Romans 6:23
• The love of God – Romans 8:39
• We are a new creation – 2 Corinthians 5:17
• Salvation – 2 Timothy 2:10

Consider Paul’s words in Philippians 1:19-23. “For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.”

Being in Christ means our identity is no longer defined by our sins or failures. Our identity is Christ and His righteousness. We now live our lives in such a way as to honor Christ in all that we do (Colossians 3:17) so that we can look forward to meeting Him in the clouds on that day! (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17.) Being in Christ allows us to have the mindset that Paul had. While on earth, we know that good will come from our efforts, but we do not have to fear death because just as Paul said, for someone who is in Christ to die is gain!

-Caleb Westbrook