Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. 2 Timothy 1:9-10
At each service of the Lord’s Church, we extend an invitation. We do this with a thought from scripture and a plea that one sees the need to be faithful and “in Christ”. It would be wise for us to consider just a few passages from scripture that show what being “in Christ” means. It should help us to see what being in Christ means for all mankind.
In Christ is where spiritual blessings are found. Ephesians 1:3 reads, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.”
In Christ is where we are made new creatures. 2 Corinthians 5:17 tells us, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
In Christ is where redemption is placed. Colossians 1:13-14 says, “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.” We would add here, if one is not in Christ, they are still in the world.
Sin separates man from God as Isaiah 59:2 reads, “But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.”
It is in Christ we are reconciled. 2 Corinthians 5:19 tells us, “To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.”
We would also mention that being baptized is the means by which the Bible declares we are “in Christ”. Galatians 3:27 says, “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”
By Jason Barger