Knowing What You Have in Christ

Scripture:  II Corinthians 5:17 - Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

Those who have never invited Jesus Christ into their lives don’t know what they are missing.  On the other hand, those who have invited Jesus Christ into their lives may not realize all that they have in Him or may need reminding especially during times a crisis/trial.

Being “in Christ” is not about being religious. Religion is  man trying to make his/her way to God by doing works.  The problem with that is the word of God says in Isaiah 64:6a  – “but we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousness are as filthy rags.  It is about the finished work of Jesus Christ – who died on the cross for us -- and  us having a personal relationship with Him when we invited Him into our lives (I Corinthians 15:3-4, Romans 10:9-10).  Every person who has sincerely accepted Christ as His/her savior is “in Him”  Ephesians 2:8-10 says “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”  We are new creations in Christ! II Corinthians 5:17 – “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”  II Peter 1:1-4  says “Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ: 2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, 3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: 4Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”  

Being “in Christ” means security!  John 10:27-29 - My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.”  Several of the benefits of being in a personal relationship with the Lord are found in Psalms 103:1-4 – “Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:3 Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; 4 Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;” We also have assurance of the future!  John 14:19-20 – “Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. 20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.”  

When we invited Jesus Christ into our hearts by faith, we became His children – and are in Him!  What a privilege that is!  Hallelujah!!!

Prayer:  Thank You Lord for dying on the cross for me, and for forgiving me of my sin.  Thank You for placing me in the body of Christ (I Corinthians 12:13).  I’m so thankful to be “in Christ” --  by the finished work of Christ! All this I pray in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

(by Marsha Williams)