There are some inexplicable
things that belong wholly unto God.
The deepest mysteries into the
majestic things that belong only unto God are found
in the words “in Christ.”
The recorded Word says that we
were “created in Christ Jesus unto good works” (Eph.
2:10), and “of Him are you in Christ Jesus” (1 Cor.
1:30). We were chosen “in Him before the foundation
of the world” (Eph. 1:4). “And we are in Him that is
true, even in His Son Jesus Christ” (1 Jn. 5:20).
“In Christ.” Let those words
sink deep into your heart. Every born again believer
is “in Christ.” It cannot be otherwise.
The Lord God through His Spirit
has entered into a most holy union with every
Christian in order to reproduce His life through us.
We are members of His body.
If one is in Christ, he must be
justified by grace through faith. He cannot be "in
Christ" and under the condemnation of a holy and
just God at the same time. Moreover, if one is in
Christ, he must have sanctification; for a holy God
cannot remain in vital connection with someone who
is unholy. If one is in Christ, he must one day be
glorified because God cannot abandon a part of His
redeemed body in the grave of eternal death.
The world is waiting to see
what God is doing in your life. That is the only way
it will ever be convinced that He is real. Sinlessly
perfect, no. Saved by grace through faith in Jesus
Christ, yes.
All that we are as Christians
is found “in Christ.” We are dependent “in Him.” We
receive our strength “in Him.” “Of Him you are in
Christ,” says the apostle Paul. Christ in taking man
up into Himself, takes all that belongs to him.
Christ in bringing us into a
vital union with Himself brings us into a
relationship with all that belongs to Him, in His
divine life. We enter into a partnership with His
divine work.
He has given us his life. We
are now seated with Him in the heavenlies in Christ
Jesus and He lives His live in and through us.
This is our new life “in
Christ.” We enjoy a vital union “in Christ.” All
that Jesus Christ is now belongs to the believer,
and all that we are is now His.
How often we try to do “great
and mighty things for God” and fail. All that He
asks of us is to make ourselves available to Him and
allow Him to reproduce His life in and through us.
The Christian life and work is inseparable from our
Savior’s. Then we stand back and say, “I saw God do
it!” We become the instruments that He uses to
impact this world.
“Christ in you” is limitless in
application. How can we have a ministry and not
burnout? “I in you.” Christ in you is “a well of
water springing up into eternal life” (Jn. 4:14).
How can you sustain a daily life under constant
demands upon your inner resources? “I in you.” Jesus
is the Bread of Life and we must feast upon Him
daily.
Jesus said, “Without me you can
do nothing.” “You can do nothing.” That is the
secret to a vibrant, mature spiritual life and
ministry. It is not legalism. It is not doing deeds
and fulfillment of laws to become a Christian. Our
personal relationship with Jesus Christ determines
our faithfulness in Christian ministry.
Lord Jesus, all that I am I
make available to You. Here, live your life in and
through me to do as You please.
Made “in Christ.”
That is the only genuine Christian product.
Are you “in Him”?
Selah!
Message by Wil Pounds (c) 2006
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Unless otherwise noted "Scripture quotations taken from the NASB."
"Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE" © Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation Used by permission." (www.Lockman.org)Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NET) are from the NET Bible copyright ©1996-2006 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. http://www.bible.org/. All rights reserved.
Wil is a graduate of William Carey University, B. A.; New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, Th. M.; and Azusa Pacific University, M. A. He has pastored in Panama, Ecuador and the U. S, and served for over 20 years as missionary in Ecuador and Honduras. He had a daily expository Bible teaching ministry head in over 100 countries from 1972-2005. He continues to seek opportunities to be personally involved in world missions. Wil and his wife Ann have three grown daughters. He currently serves as a Baptist pastor and teaches seminary extension courses in Ecuador.
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