It’s an understatement to say being a pastor is interesting.
It’s very interesting, and every day is different.
As a pastor, I teach many truths and concepts. The Bible is a huge book, 66 books of over 1200 chapters covering over a 1000 year time period. Within Scripture, there are many things I want people to know, but there is one thing I wish every Christian knew.
“I wish every believer knew who they are in Christ.”
Who are we in Christ?
First, we have been crucified with Christ. Our old person has died. Our death frees us from the power of sin and Satan. We are no longer bound by the law but instead we are alive in Christ.
Second, we have been raised with Him to the newness of life. “What this means is that those who become Christians become new persons. They are not the same anymore, for the old life is gone. A new life has begun! (2 Corinthians 5:17, NLT).
Both of these truths mean that we belong to God; we are not the same. We have been bought with a price.
Third, we are in Christ and Christ is in us. This is a hard concept but one that is essential to understand the meaning of God’s work in Christ. With this truth, we can honestly say that we are not the same. We can never go back. The old person has died and a new person is alive.
What does this mean?
First, it means I am free. I no longer have to go on in the sinful state. I can live in a new way.
Second, it means the power of God is within me. The life I live I live by faith in the Son of God.
Third, it means that I live in, with, and by the Spirit. Since I walk by the Spirit, I no longer have to gratify the desires of the flesh.
I am convinced many Chirstians believe they must sin, but we do not. We can live close to God’s Spirit, and we can live by His power.
It is time we live as we are–new people in Christ, called to holiness and obedience.
While we will always struggle with the flesh in this life (Galatians 5:17), we are not bound to sin. We are free in Christ.
Knowing this truth has blessed my life. I hope–and will pray–it will bless yours.
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4 Responses
Waylon, what if we went about life approaching everyone saying “Hello, I’d like you to meet ME.” The new me in Christ. I know that’s kinda silly but it’s who we really are. A complete new person in Christ. I love the way you put it by saying “We can live close to God’s Spirit, and we can live by His power.” That is what I want to remember always. Thanks.
I like the idea of what you’ve said. What a great introduction for someone to know who Christ is and what He does for us.
I like Bob’s comment. I’d like to present the Truth more fully and his Hope a bit more developed. I’d like to say and have it said (more to your point Dr. Bailey), I would like you and I to know more fully who We Are. You say Christ is in you. I say Christ is in me. Therefore, we are One in Christ Jesus and members one of another. I’d like to pursue together His Design for us to Glorify Him in what we Do in Him, by Him, Through Him. (Romans 12:3-6; 1 Corinthians 12: 11-14; John 15:5; John 17: 10,17,21,23,26)
Think of all the times we see “Ye” in Scripture; may we think: “all as One.”
“Out of Many, One.” It is not a new idea. It is the vehicle which brought us to this Day in Him for this opportunity. Undiscovered country, self in another is more than interesting; it is an adventure with eternal consequences.
Blessings
I agree with what you are saying. We are one in Christ and we should live as we are.