In Christ

In Galatians 3:26-28 the apostle Paul writes this to the church in Galatia, “…for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek; there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female. for you all are one in Christ Jesus.” Paul was reminding the Christians in Galatia of their new identity found in Christ. They had left their old lives of sin and were fully embracing the new life they had been “baptized” into; new life in Christ Jesus.

I was struck by the phrase “in Christ.” Our rap sheet is full of every sinful thought, action and attitude we have ever committed. No amount of self-help or self-cleansing can make us pure in the eyes of a holy and righteous God. And thus, in our natural sinful state we are enemies of God. However, when we accept the sacrifice of Christ, our account is transferred. To be “in Christ” means we accept the sacrifice he made on the cross for our own sin. Our unrighteous life is exchanged for his righteous life; our old sinful nature for his perfect nature.

And so, as a new year begins, if you are “in Christ,” remember the following truths.[1]

First, “in Christ” you are accepted.

John 1:12 the Bible says, “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”

Second, “in Christ” you are secure.

Colossians 3:3 the Bible says, “For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”

Finally, “in Christ” you are significant.

Ephesians 2:10 the Bible says, “For we are his workmanship. created in Christ Jesus for good works which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

To be “in Christ,” means when God looks at us he only sees the righteousness of his own Son. May we all remember this glorious truth this year and beyond.

In Christ,

[1] Anderson, Who I Am in Christ, 2001