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“In Christ” is one of the apostle Paul’s favorite prepositional phrases. It is used to show an intimate relationship with Christ. To be “in Christ” indicates fellowship and oneness with Him; it is to dwell in His Gospel and grace. This relationship brings certain privileges and blessings that are worthy of our study and quest.
- No Condemnation (Rom. 8:1). Under the Law of Moses, all who sinned were condemned because it had no provision of grace. Since all men are sinners (Rom. 3:23), all are under condemnation except Christ. But now, through what Christ has done, men can be “justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the Law of Moses” (Acts 13:38–39). This is no promise that we do not fall under condemnation again when we sin, but it does proclaim the release from guilt that is available in Christ.
- New Creature (2 Cor. 5:17). This passage talks about the wonderful change that takes place in one’s life who is truly converted to Christ. The old life is laid aside and left behind for the new (one stops doing and saying things and going places that are incompatible with pure and honorable living). He begins living a pure and wholesome life, serving God and others. Only in Christ and His Word is found the power to triumph over sin and live a radiant, new life.
- Every Spiritual Blessing (Eph. 1:3). God has provided us with a taste of Heaven here on earth through the many blessings of a spiritual nature He offers us. Forgiveness through His grace, purity of life, power over temptation, a bold communion with God in prayer, sweet fellowship with others in Christ, a peace that passeth understanding, eternal hope and many others make up these great blessings. Briefly, in Christ we have a foretaste of Heaven and living outside of Him, a foretaste of Hell.
- Salvation (2 Tim. 2:10). The salvation that one has in Christ is not temporary but is eternal glory. Before Christ came, mankind was hopelessly lost in sin, but now, in Christ, there is the blessed hope of salvation. John echoes this theme: “God gave unto us eternal life and this life is in His Son” (1 John 5:11). This blessing of eternal salvation is the end and aim of all other spiritual blessings—at home with God and Christ our Savior forever, at last!
It must not go unnoticed that all of these and all other spiritual blessings are “in Christ.” In Christ is not just one of several places they may be found. They are found and received only in Him (John 14:6; Acts 4:12, etc.). Those who are not “in Christ” are not recipients of these blessings and never can be while remaining outside of Him.
[Note: I wrote this article for, and it was published in the “Bible Thoughts” Column for the Hood County News, Granbury, Texas, June 3, 1979.]
Attribution: From thescripturecache.com; Dub McClish, owner and administrator.
