“…. in Christ Jesus:” – Eph. 1:1
In his letter to the Ephesians Paul writes to those who are “in Christ” about being “in Christ“. He wanted them to understand who they are, what they have, what to do, and what to expect as a result of being in Christ. That short simple phrase speaks volumes. It is the key that unlocks the tremendous treasures of truth regarding the believers position, union, identity, relationship, and blessings “in Christ”.
To gain a proper perspective on life we must see things as they are. In other words we must understand the position we are in. For example – no one is ever saved until they first see themselves as a sinner in need of a Savior. As sinners we are”in Adam“, in bondage to sin, in the flesh, and condemned. That’s an awful position to be in! Making matters worse is the fact that we can’t do anything to change our position. We could never be delivered from that awful place, but for God. Only in Him do we find hope.
From that horrid position as sinners we hear this good news – “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Rom. 5:8. Alas we hear of hope and the goodness of God leads us to repentance (Rom. 2:4). By grace through faith we are saved (Eph. 2:8) and “of him are ye in Christ Jesus” (1 Cor. 1:30). Now we are in a new position and we become new people (2 Cor. 5:17). Out of that miserable pit Christ redeems us, releases us, and receives us. We are now “in Christ” and that changes everything forever! By grace through faith we are placed in a new position – God “hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:”- Eph. 2:6. It is no wonder Paul said, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ:” ( Eph. 1:3).
Not only does our new position in Christ change our lives now, it assures us that the best is yet to come. Listen to what Paul wrote in this regard. “Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.” – Eph. 1:9-14
Regardless of who we are or what we have done Paul says, “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus” ( Gal. 3:26). So where are you? Are you yet in your sins or in Christ? – HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
