In Christ Jesus

Media Feed

In Ephesians 1:3-14, the phrase "in Christ" or "in Him" is repeated 10 times. Phil outlined 13 truths about what being "in Christ" means for us. To view Phil's notes (in PDF format), click here. Introduction In him or in Christ is mentioned 10 times in these eleven verses (ESV) Being “in Christ Jesus” is an amazing reality for all those who believe and have received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, you are part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone. It’s in Christ that once you heard the truth of the Gospel and believed it (this Message of your salvation), found yourselves home free—signed, sealed, and delivered by the Holy Spirit. This signet from God is the first instalment on what’s coming, a reminder that we’ll get everything God has planned for us, a praising and glorious life. To be in Christ is more than a concept it a reality of our coming to faith and accepting Jesus into your life, it is to be a living reality in our lives that changes how we see ourselves , how we see God and will affect how we live. It is breath-taking what it means to be in Christ. United to Christ. Bound to Christ. If you are “in Christ” lets look at what it means for you: Benefits of being in Christ 1. In Christ Jesus you were given grace before the world was created. “He gave us grace in Christ Jesus before the ages began” (2 Timothy 1:9). – Grace, getting what I don’t deserve, the unmerited favour of God. 2. In Christ Jesus you were chosen by God before creation. “God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world” (Ephesians 1:4). No matter at what age you come to know Jesus it was planned for your life before time began . 3. In Christ Jesus you are loved by God with an inseparable love. “I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38–39). 4. In Christ Jesus you were redeemed and forgiven for all your sins. In Christ we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses” (Ephesians 1:7). Past, present and future sin dealt with. 5. In Christ Jesus you are justified before God and the righteousness of God in Christ is imputed to you. “For our sake God made Christ to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21). A most beautiful exchange 6. In Christ Jesus you have become a new creation and a son of God. “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17). “In Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith” (Galatians 3:26). How do we know someone has truly been saved, they are a new creation, old life style, thinking attitudes behaviour all changes when we are truly born again into Christ. 7. In Christ Jesus you have been seated in the heavenly places even while he lived on earth. “God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:6). Its not a position to aspire to, we already have as a gift as we are in Christ. 8. In Christ Jesus all the promises of God are Yes for you. “All the promises of God find their Yes in Christ” (2 Corinthians 1:20). Every good promise in his word is ours its a yes from him 9. In Christ Jesus you are being sanctified and made holy. “To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus” (1 Corinthians 1:2). Changed from one degree of glory to another by his grace. 10. In Christ Jesus everything you really need will be supplied. “My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19). He know what you need before you ask and he’s already made full provision for your need 11. In Christ Jesus the peace of God will guard your heart and mind. “The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). 12. In Christ Jesus you have eternal life. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). 13. And in Christ Jesus you will be raised from the dead at the coming of the Lord. “For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:22). All those united to Adam in the first humanity die. All those united to Christ in the new humanity rise to live again. How do we get into Christ? Conclusion At the unconscious and decisive level, it is God’s sovereign work: “From God are you in Christ Jesus” (1 Corinthians 1:30, my translation). But at the conscious level of our own action, it is through faith. Christ dwells in our hearts “through faith” (Ephesians 3:17). The life we live in union with his death and life we “live by faith in the Son of God” (Galatians 2:20). We are united in his death and resurrection “through faith” (Colossians 2:12). This is a wonderful truth. Union with Christ is the ground of everlasting joy, and it is free. Group Question Did you know and understand these truths How do they affect the way you live Are there any lies you have believed they are contrary to these truths, if so what can you do to change What are the blessings you receive by believing them