LOST and FOUND
LOST and FOUND
A Real Christian (a) You IN Christ
A Real Christian (a) You IN Christ
So then if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.
The old things have passed away, behold, they have become new
2 Corinthians 5:17, Recovery Version
The old things have passed away, behold, they have become new
2 Corinthians 5:17, Recovery Version
What makes a real Christian? Is he someone who has reached higher levels on a spiritual ladder – studying, praying and giving with apparent ease? He cannot even remember the last time he got angry or swore! Consider seriously this short quotation, “To be a real Christian is to be united to the Lord Jesus Christ by a Spirit-given faith.” (Albert Martin) A Christian is one who is related to Christ – enjoying a mutual ‘dwelling’. What does this mean? And is there any difference between - us “in Christ” and Christ “in us”? Yes, we can draw a distinction.
You “in Christ” – this phrase is found over 150 times in Paul’s letters (Rom 8:1; 1 Cor 15:22). We once were "in Adam" by natural birth but were one day co-crucified “in Christ”, sharing in his death and resurrection. Through faith we were given a spiritual birth (Rom 6:1-7; 7:1-6; 2 Cor 5:16-17). Now our spiritual home address is “in Christ.”
Along with all other members of Christ’s one body we have individually and collectively been hidden in the righteousness of Christ, as new creations in the new covenant. When God looks at you, He no longer sees your sin; He sees His Own Son, because you are clothed in his Son’s righteousness. Imagine your photograph tucked inside the leaves of a closed book. Wherever the book goes you are placed inside it. We can illustrate this IN-ness also by saying that only when we enter into an aeroplane can we take off and enjoy flying. Don’t try to fly the Christian life without entering into a relationship with Christ.
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When Jesus died – we died in him; we have been raised to a new life
When Jesus died – we died in him; we have been raised to a new life
