The recurring phrase “in Christ” weaves a powerful thread
throughout the New Testament, signifying the believer’s new identity and
profound union with Jesus. Paul frequently addresses the Christian community as
those “in Christ”, highlighting both the source and security of their calling
and their participation in God’s redemptive purpose. For instance, he writes to
the Romans, “to all his beloved chosen ones in Rome, for you have been divinely
summoned to be holy in his eyes. May his joyous grace and total well-being,
flowing from our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, rest upon you.” This
gracious standing is not earned, but received through faith in Jesus, as Paul
affirms: “God’s wonderful declaration that we are righteous in his eyes can
only come when we put our faith in Christ, and not in keeping the law.”
To be “in Christ” is also to share in his victory and his
life. Paul encourages the churches that, through their union with Christ, they
are spiritually alive, raised with him to “walk in the freshness of new life,”
and empowered by the Spirit. “Now Christ lives his life in you! And even though
your body may be dead because of the effects of sin, his life-giving Spirit
imparts life to you because you are fully accepted by God.” Believers are thus
called to embrace unity and mutual support—“we’ve all been mingled into one
body in Christ. This means that we are all vitally joined to one another, with
each contributing to the others.”
The letters to the Ephesians and Colossians expand this
further, declaring that every spiritual blessing, every promise, and the
fullness of God’s reconciliation are lavished upon those who are “in Christ.”
“Every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realm has already been lavished upon
us as a love gift from our wonderful heavenly Father, the Father of our Lord
Jesus—all because he sees us wrapped into Christ.” This union transcends
ethnic, social, and cultural divides: “we’re all one through our union with Jesus
Christ with no distinction between us.”
Moreover, to be “in Christ” is to experience transformation
and maturity, as believers are invited to grow beyond the basics and “advance
into perfection,” building on the foundation of Christ himself. The hope,
boldness, and perseverance in the Christian life all flow from this abiding
relationship. “We have boldness through him, and free access as kings before
the Father because of our complete confidence in Christ’s faithfulness.”
Ultimately, the New Testament’s vision is clear: to be “in
Christ” is to be embraced by God’s grace, empowered for new life, united with
other believers, and destined to share in his victory and glory. It is both an
invitation and a reality, calling each believer to live out of this new
identity and to demonstrate Christ’s love in every relationship and
circumstance.