"In Christ"

 

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.