Part I:
Verses and Passages that Speak of Our Being in Christ
Introduction
What does it mean to be in Christ? Both Old and New Testament are replete with types, short statements, and themes spanning whole books that show God’s intention for us to dwell in Christ. The New Testament writers use that phrase so often that apart from the Holy Spirit’s guidance, the church at large has gotten used to seeing it without knowing all that it means. We tend to either overlook the phrase altogether or so reduce its meaning as to strip it entirely of the comprehension that is to accompany it.
We want to show that being in Christ is neither an obscure idea that is only mentioned in passing in the Scriptures nor a frequently used phrase without specific definition. The diverse ways in which this relationship is repeatedly declared, taught, and illustrated by so many different inspired writers gives enough weight to the theme to demand our attention and close study. We assert that our relationship with God in Christ is one of the primary themes of the Scriptures and the foundation for any relationship with God.
The purpose of the following outlines, one of the New Testament writings that declare the believer to be in Christ, and one of the Old Testament writings that show in type that such a relationship is so, are to support the fact that this relationship is a primary subject from Genesis to Revelation. If this is true, then it is a relationship that is dear to God’s heart, and one that we must come to comprehend.
New Testament Verses that Declare the Believer
to Be In Christ: An Outline
In the Authorized Version, the English word "in" is used to translate the Greek word "en" of the New Testament. This Greek word is a preposition that denotes a fixed position, which requires a relationship of rest. To be in Christ is to be in a relationship of rest. We do not strive to enter into or remain in that relationship, for we are there by the work of Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection.
The Greek word "en" also denotes inclusiveness, that to be in the thing is to be a part of that thing in the way that a branch is in the tree because it is part of the tree. This is unlike the English preposition "in", which is used to describe the location of a chair that is sitting in a dining room, or a car that is parked in the garage. In these two cases, the chair has nothing to do with the architectural design of the room, and the car retains its original metallic and fiberglass identity when rolled into a garage made of brick, wood, and drywall. This is not what it means to be in Christ.
We are in Christ in the Greek meaning of the word "en", so that to be in Christ means that our basic makeup and form have changed as we have passed from death into life. In our present place in Christ, we can say we are in the tree because we are branches, not because we climbed the tree. And we can say we are in God’s temple, not because we removed our persons from our homes to a church building on Sunday morning, or because we can feel the presence of God as we pray, but because in Christ and His resurrection, we are the living stones that make up the temple.
Finally, the Greek word "en" implies instrumentality, or the means by which something is accomplished, which is why we have included the sections on "by Christ", "through Christ", and "with Christ".
We hope you can begin to see how knowing that we are in Christ is essential to a stable, mature, and living relationship with God our Father. The purpose of the following outline is to show both the frequency with which being in Christ is mentioned, as well as to clarify what this means to us as believers.
The grouping of verses under subject headings is only for the sake of simplifying and organizing a vast amount of information into a more ordered format. To simply list verses with random comments here or there may cause the reader to become confused and overwhelmed. It is hoped that the arrangement of verses in outline form will present our being in Christ with more clarity and in an articulate and efficient manner.
The Epistle to the Hebrews has been grouped with the Pauline epistles for organizational purposes.
I. IN CHRIST
Heb. 1:1-3
God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high…
"By his Son" is more accurately translated "in Son". This clarification puts this verse under the heading "In Christ" instead of "By Christ".
Everything that God wants to say to us, everything that He wants us to hear, He has spoken In His Son, by making Him the perfect image of Himself. We need look nowhere other than there to know the Lord, and ourselves by Him.
1. Verses with Comments
a. In The Resurrection
i.
And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
The term "regeneration" means "new birth". This new birth does not refer to an individual receiving of eternal life, but to the birth of an altogether new creation. The regeneration, then, would relate to the first man and second man of 1 Corinthians 15:42-49, the new creation of 2 Corinthians 5:14-18, and the new heaven and earth in Revelation 21:1.
ii. Corresponding Verses
Matt. 22:30-32
For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven. But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.
b. Accomplished In Christ
Lk. 22:37
For I say unto you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, And he was reckoned among the transgressors: for the things concerning me have an end.
What was written in the Old Testament was accomplished in Christ.
c. Entering In
i.
I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.
This idea of salvation that is normally presented today is a personal experience that happens to an individual. To Jesus, however, salvation occurs upon entering into His fold.
ii.
Lk. 11:52Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered.
d. Life Is In Christ
John constantly spoke of the Life that is found in Christ. This is important to understand, because we can only partake of this eternal life if we, too, are in Christ, as it is not doled out to individuals.
i. Jn. 1:4
In him was life; and the life was the light of men.
ii.
Jn. 5:26For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself…
e. Abiding In Christ
Jn. 15:2
Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
Jn. 15:4-7
Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
Jn. 15:9-10
As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.
(Note:
What it means to abide in Christ will be addressed toward the end of the outline. John 15 will be discussed there.)f. One In Christ
i. Jn. 17:21
That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
This was Jesus’ final prayer before going to the Cross. How important it must be to Him that we are one in Christ, for this relationship to be on His mind as He went to His death! Whether a believer completely understands this relationship of union or not, he must admit that it is of primary importance to Jesus.
ii.
Jn. 17:22-24And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.
2. Other Verses
a.
And blessed is he, whosoever shall not be offended in me.
b.
Jn. 3:21But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
c.
Jn. 6:56He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.
d.
Jn. 14:20At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you.
B. The Book of Acts
1. Verses with Comments
Acts 3:25
Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.
The seed is Christ. In Christ, we are the seed.
Refer to Gal. 3:16 & 27-29.
2. Other Verses
a.
This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
b.
Acts 17:28For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.
c.
Acts 26:18To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
C. The Pauline Epistles
1. Verses with Comments
a. Alive in Christ
i. The Law of the Spirit of Life In Christ
Rom. 8:1-2
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.
We who are in Christ have access to the life that is in Christ. This life operates according to a law, which states that the life that is in Christ, only exists, and therefore only flows and functions, in Christ. To partake of this life, therefore, we must be found in Christ.
ii. Resurrection
Eph. 1:19-20
And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places…
The resurrection is the power that was wrought in Christ. It is this power that affects those who are in Christ in a great way.
a.
For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.
b.
1 Cor. 15:22-23For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.
c.
1 Cor. 15:42-43So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:
b. In the Place
Rom. 9:26
And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God.
The place where those who were not the Lord’s people would be His children is in Christ, in His death and resurrection.
i. Circumcised In Christ
Col. 2:11
In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ…
Because we are in Christ, our fleshly nature has been cut away by Jesus’ death and resurrection. Since Christ was put to death and then raised from the dead, we were put to death and raised up completely new in Christ.
ii. Accepted In Christ
Eph. 1:6
To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
The Father does not accept me as an individual. There is nothing acceptable about me, which is why Jesus died to begin with. But the Beloved Son pleases the Father entirely, and is highly favored (a better translation of the word "accepted") by the Father. Since I am in Christ, I am highly favored by virtue of Christ.
c. Everything In Christ
i. He Is Made Unto Us
1 Cor. 1:29-31
That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.
The Lord does not give us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption; rather, Christ is all of it. In Christ, we partake of Him as our source.
ii. Redemption In Christ
a.
In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.
Our entire relationship with God, each and every aspect of it, is found in Christ. We are even forgiven of our sins because we are in Christ!
b.
Rom. 3:24Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus…
c.
Eph. 1:7In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace…
iii. Fullness In Christ
Col. 1:19
For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell…
a. The Promises In Christ
i.
For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, even by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea. For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us. Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God.
We have all the promises of God – in Christ.
ii.
Eph. 3:6That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel.
iii.
2 Tim. 1:1Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus…
b. Spiritual Blessings In Christ
i.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love…
The blessings with which we are blessed are spiritual blessings. God does not give them to each believer individually. Instead, He put us in Christ so that we might partake of the spiritual blessings that are who Christ is. Furthermore, the Father does not choose individual believers to be saved. Instead, the Father chose His Son, Christ; therefore all those who are in Christ are chosen.
ii.
Col. 2:3In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
c. Completion In Christ
Col. 2:9-10
For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
In ourselves, we are not complete. We all have faults and weaknesses. But in Christ, we are complete because God’s fullness is there. Everything that is true of Christ is true of those in him, not by personal experience or ability, but because God relates to those in Christ by how He relates to Christ. Since Christ is full, then we are complete.
d. 1 Cor. 8:6
But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
d. Triumphing In Christ
2 Cor. 2:14
Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.
Jesus triumphed over sin, the devil, our circumstances and ourselves. We need fight these battles for ourselves no longer, for if we abide in Christ, His triumph becomes ours.
e. No Veil In Christ
2 Cor. 3:14
But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.
The veil that separates a believer from the Lord in their understanding may still be over the heart of so many individuals, but the veil was done away in Christ. When our heart turns to that relationship, the veil is rent in our experience.
f. New Creation In Christ
2 Cor. 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.
We do not individually become new creations. There is only one new creation, and it is found in Christ. Those who are in Christ are that new creation. Everything of the old creation was done away at the Cross, and the new creation, which is entirely of God, came forth in the resurrection.
i. New Creation Avails In Christ
Gal. 6:15
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.
ii. God’s Workmanship In Christ
Eph. 2:10
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
God created us in Christ by the resurrection. Whatever we were in the old creation, we are no longer. We have been created in Christ.
g. Made One In Christ
i. Neither/Nor In Christ
Gal. 3:28
There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.
There are no individuals, nationalities, or social structures in Christ. All of that was put away in Jesus’ death on the Cross. The one that we now are is Christ.
ii. One Body In Christ
Eph. 1:10
That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him…
a. One New Man
Eph. 2:15-16
Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby…
Jesus put to death everything at enmity. The reason that there is now peace is because there is only One in the resurrection – Christ.
b. One Body
i.
For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
In Christ, there is only one body, and that is His body. It is a raised, spiritual body that came forth in the resurrection.
ii.
1 Cor. 12:18But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
iii.
Col. 3:15And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
c. One Seed
i.
Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.
ii.
Gal. 3:8And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.
iii.
Heb. 7:9-10And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham. For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him.
iv.
Heb. 11:18Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called.
h. The Temple Is In Christ
Eph. 2:21-22
In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.
The new creation that we are in Christ is of a different form than what we see in the material creation. In Christ, we have taken on a form that is habitable by God Himself.
i. Eternal Purpose In Christ
i. Purpose In Christ
a.
According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord: In whom we have boldness and access with confidence by the faith of him.
God had always planned that his purposes would be realized in Christ. Putting us in Christ was not a corrective measure instituted at the Fall, but a relationship that has always been in His heart.
b.
2 Tim. 1:9Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began…
ii. High Calling In Christ
Phil. 3:14
I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
iii. Will of God In Christ
1 Thes. 5:18
In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
j. You In Christ, Christ In You
i. Light In Christ
a.
For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light.
Our nature was changed in the resurrection from darkness to light. Even though this should affect our daily walk, the change happened in Christ. What we walk is a manifestation of what we are in Christ.
b.
Rom. 13:13Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.
ii. The Mind of Christ
Phil. 2:5
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus…
Because we are in Christ, what is in Christ Jesus can also be in us.
iii. Rooted in Christ
Col. 2:6-7
As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving.
iv. What Is In You Is In Christ
Phile. 1:6
That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.
What good things that are in us are there because we are in Christ, and His life is flowing through us.
v. Christ Glorified
2 Thes. 1:12
That the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and ye in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Christ is glorified in us when we abide in Him.
2. Other Verses
a. Believers In Christ
i.
Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus.
ii.
Rom. 16:7Salute Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellowprisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me.
iii.
1 Cor. 3:1And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ.
iv.
2 Cor. 12:2I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.
v.
Gal. 1:22And was unknown by face unto the churches of Judaea which were in Christ.
vi.
Eph. 1:1Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus…
vii.
Phil. 1:1Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons…
viii.
Phil. 4:21Salute every saint in Christ Jesus. The brethren which are with me greet you.
ix.
Col. 1:2To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
x.
1 Thes. 1:1Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
xi.
1 Thes. 2:14For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews.
xii.
2 Thes. 1:1Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ…
xiii.
Phile. 1:23There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus.
b. What We Are In Christ
i.
Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved. Salute Apelles approved in Christ. Salute them which are of Aristobulus' household. Salute Herodion my kinsman. Greet them that be of the household of Narcissus, which are in the Lord.
ii.
1 Cor. 1:2Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours…
iii.
1 Cor. 4:10We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise in Christ; we are weak, but ye are strong; ye are honourable, but we are despised.
iv.
2 Cor. 5:21For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
c. What We Have In Christ
i. Love of God In Christ
a.
Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
b.
Phil. 1:8For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.
c.
Phil. 2:1If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies…
d.
1 Tim. 1:14And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
e.
2 Tim. 1:13Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
ii. Faith In Christ
a.
For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.
b.
1 Tim. 3:13For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus.
c.
2 Tim. 3:15And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
iii. Inheritance In Christ
a.
In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will…
b.
Heb. 11:9By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise:
iv.
I Cor. 15:19If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.
v.
2 Cor. 11:3But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.
vi.
Eph. 1:13In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise…
vii.
Eph. 2:6And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus…
viii.
Eph. 2:13But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.
ix.
Gal. 2:4And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage.
x.
2 Tim. 2:1Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.
xi.
2 Tim. 2:10Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
d. Relating In Christ
a.
For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.
b.
2 Cor. 12:19Again, think ye that we excuse ourselves unto you? we speak before God in Christ: but we do all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying.
c.
1 Tim. 2:7Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.
ii. Rejoicing In Christ
a.
I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.
b.
Phil. 1:26That your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again.
c.
Phil. 3:3For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.
iii.
1 Cor. 4:15For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.
iv.
1 Cor. 16:24My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
v.
2 Cor. 2:10To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ.
vi.
2 Tim. 3:12Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
vii.
Phile. 1:8Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient…
e. Fallen Asleep In Christ
i.
Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.
ii.
1 Thes. 4:14For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
iii.
1 Thes. 4:16For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first…
f. Other Verses
i.
And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree…
ii.
Rom. 11:23And they also, if they abide not still in unbelief, shall be graffed in: for God is able to graff them in again.
iii.
1 Cor. 4:17For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.
iv.
1 Cor. 10:2And were all baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea…
v.
Phil. 3:9And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith…
vi.
Heb. 3:19So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.
vii.
Heb. 4:6Seeing therefore it remaineth that some must enter therein, and they to whom it was first preached entered not in because of unbelief:
viii.
Heb. 9:12Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.
ix.
Heb. 9:24For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.
D. The General Epistles
1. Peter
a.
Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory…
b.
1 Pet. 2:24Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.
c.
1 Pet. 3:16Having a good conscience; that, whereas they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, they may be ashamed that falsely accuse your good conversation in Christ.
d.
1 Pet. 5:14Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.
e.
2 Pet. 1:17For he received from God the Father honour and glory, when there came such a voice to him from the excellent glory, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.
2. Jude
a.
Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called…
b.
Jude 1:21Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
E. John’s Writings
1. Verses with Comments: We Are In Christ, and Christ Is In Us
a.
Again, a new commandment I write unto you, which thing is true in him and in you: because the darkness is past, and the true light now shineth. He that saith he is in the light, and hateth his brother, is in darkness even until now. He that loveth his brother abideth in the light, and there is none occasion of stumbling in him.
What is true of Jesus is true of us because we are in Christ.
b.
I Jn. 3:5-6And ye know that he was manifested to take away our sins; and in him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen him, neither known him.
To abide in Christ is to partake of Christ. His life is sinless, and so when we abide in him, we don’t sin because He is living through us.
c.
Rev. 1:16, 20And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength…The mystery of the seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest are the seven churches.
John saw the Son of Man, and the churches were in His hand.
d.
Rev. 2:1Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks…
We are in Christ, and He is in us.
2. Other Verses
a.
This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
b.
I Jn. 1:7But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.
c.
I Jn. 2:5-6But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.
d.
I Jn. 2:24Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.
e.
I Jn. 2:27-28But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.
f.
I Jn. 3:24And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.
g.
I Jn. 4:13Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.
h.
I Jn. 4:15-16Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.
i.
I Jn. 4:18There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.
j.
I Jn. 5:11And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
k.
I Jn. 5:14And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us…
l.
I Jn. 5:20And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life.
m.
Rev. 7:15Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.
n.
Rev. 22:14Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
We have established that all of our relationship with God, our identity, and life is in Christ. For the believer, everything is so by virtue of that relationship. The following verses establish this to be so:
Eph. 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ…
Eph. 2:10
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
Everything that is by Christ, through Christ, and with Christ is grounded in our being in Christ. We will now examine the above-mentioned phrases in light of this reality.
A. INTO CHRIST
1. The Gospels
a. Gathered Into Christ
Matt. 3:12 (see Lk. 3:17)
Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner; but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.
Wheat speaks of the seed, which is Christ. The Father gathers that which is already in Christ.
Refer to Eph. 1:9-10.
b. Entering Into Life
Life is something to be entered into, and therefore is not something connected to daily physical existence. To be found in Christ is to enter into life, for life is found in Christ.
i. A Higher Reality
Matt. 18:8-9 (see Mk. 9:43-48)
if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.
The life we enter into is of a higher reality and therefore of greater importance than earth-existence.
ii. Righteous Go Into Life
Matt. 25:46
And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.
According to Paul, we are made righteous in Christ, not in ourselves. Only those to whom Christ has been made righteousness enter into life.
Refer to 1 Cor. 1:30, and 2 Cor. 5:21.
iii. From Death Into Life
Jn. 5:24
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.
The Greek word that is translated "unto" is the same word translated "into" in the previous phrase. To not be in Christ is to abide in a state of death. Of course, this verse is not speaking of physical death, but the state of spiritual death that came upon all who are in Adam. We can be physically alive and be dead as far as the Lord is concerned. However, our faith in Christ causes us to pass from this state of death into life, a state which is only found in Christ.
Refer to Eph. 2:5, and Col. 2:13.
c. Noah Entered Into the Ark
Matt. 24:37-39 (see Lk. 17:26-27)
But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
Noah entered into the Ark and was saved from judgment. We who are in Christ are saved from the judgment of death. This makes salvation not a thing that is given but a relationship that is entered into.
2. The Pauline Epistles
a. We Have Been Brought Into Christ
This is the one-time act that happened in Christ at the cross. It is appropriated to every individual who believes on the Lord Jesus Christ.
Refer to Jn. 3:16
Rom. 6:3
Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
b. Put On Christ
Gal. 3:27
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
c. Baptized Into His Body
1 Cor. 12:13
For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
This is a new relationship that has nothing to do with our old identities.
ii. Grafted Into Christ
Rom. 11:24
For if thou wert cut out of the olive tree which is wild by nature, and wert graffed contrary to nature into a good olive tree: how much more shall these, which be the natural branches, be graffed into their own olive tree?
iii. Translated Into the Kingdom
Col. 1:13
Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son…
iv. Entered Within the Veil
Heb. 6:19
Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and stedfast, and which entereth into that within the veil…
b. We Must Enter Into Him In Whom We Are
We were called, not forced. There is an ongoing dealing in the life of the believer for us to enter in, to live and relate by Christ, where we are.
i. Called Into Grace
Gal. 1:6
I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel…
ii. Growing Up Into Christ
Eph. 4:15
But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ…
We are in Christ. But now we must grow up into him, so that we are conformed to that relationship more and more.
iii. Entering Into His Rest
As the nation of Israel shows us, we can be the Lord’s people and miss our purpose. Entering into rest is conditional: the word must be mixed with faith in them that hear it.
Refer to Heb. 3:16-19, and Heb. 4:2.
a.
Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest, any of you should seem to come short of it.
b.
Heb. 4:3For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.
c.
Heb. 4:5And in this place again, If they shall enter into my rest.
d.
Heb. 4:10-11For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.
iv. Entering Into the Holiest of All
Heb. 10:19-22
Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new a living way… let us draw near.
In Christ, we have been made near to God, but we have the responsibility of drawing near. How do we draw near to God? By entering into the spiritual Holy of holies, where we are in the person of Christ.
Refer to Eph. 2:13-18.
v. Entering Into Our Inheritance
Heb. 11:8
By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went.
The Scriptures equate entering into our inheritance with obedience.
3. Other Verses
a. Into God’s Light
1 Pet. 2:9
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.
b. Entering Into the City
Rev. 22:14
Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.
The city is the New Jerusalem, the Lord’s habitation in Christ.
B. BY CHRIST
The word "by" means "by means of". Christ is God’s agent to accomplish His purposes.
1. John’s Writings
a. Grace and Truth Are By Christ
Jn. 1:17
For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.
b. Living By Christ
Jn. 6:57
As the living Father hath sent me, and I live by the Father: so he that eateth me, even he shall live by me.
c. Coming to the Father By Christ
Jn. 14:6
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
2. Acts
Acts 26:18
To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.
3. Pauline Epistles
1 Cor. 8:6
But to us there is but one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we in him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we by him.
Since we are in Christ, and a new creation in Christ, what and who we are now is by Christ.
a. Grace Comes By Christ
i. God Relates to Us By Christ
1 Cor. 1:4-5
I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ; That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge;
God gives us all that He gives us by having placed His fullness in Christ. Christ is His means of giving.
Refer to Col. 1:19.
ii. We Relate to God By Christ
Rom. 5:2
By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
The access into grace is Christ. If we are in Christ, we may access grace by faith.
b. By One Man
Rom. 5:15, 17-19, 21
But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many… For if by one man's offence death reigned by one; much more they which receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.) Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous…That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.
There is only one man whom God recognizes. Originally, that man was one human being, Jesus Christ. In resurrection, it is a new corporate man, of which Jesus is the Head.
c. Since I am dead in Christ, it is by Christ that I am dead to certain things:
i. Dead to the Law By Christ
Rom. 7:4
Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.
ii. Crucified to the World By Christ
Gal. 6:14
But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
d. Since I am raised up in Christ, I live by Christ.
i.
For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.
ii.
2 Cor. 4:14Knowing that he which raised up the Lord Jesus shall raise up us also by Jesus, and shall present us with you.
e. Brought Into Relationship By Christ
i. Reconciled By Christ
2 Cor. 5:18
And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation…
God proved that He accepted His Son by raising Him from the dead. Since I was in Christ at the resurrection, God receives me, too, so I have been reconciled to God by Christ.
ii. A Son By Christ
Eph. 1:5
Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will…
Christ is the Son of God, and I am in Christ. Therefore I am a son by Christ.
iii. Saved By Christ
a.
For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ…
b.
Heb. 7:25Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
iv. Christ the Way
Heb. 10:20
By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh…
Not many believers will argue that we are saved by Christ. However, what many do not realize is that apart from Christ, we cannot bring glory to God. It is only as we relate to God as though we are in Christ, and therefore relate to God by Christ, that God receives glory. Why? Because flesh can never please God. God accepts Christ and Christ alone. Therefore it is only as Christ lives through us that we bring God glory.
i. Glory By Christ
Eph. 3:21
Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
ii. Fruits of Righteousness By Christ
Phil. 1:11
Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.
iii. Sacrifice of Praise By Christ
Heb. 13:15
By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
g. Other Verses
i. Consolation By Christ
2 Cor. 1:5
For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.
ii. Needs Supplied By Christ
Phil. 4:19
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.
4. Peter’s Epistles
a. By Resurrection
i. Born Again
1 Pet. 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
We are begotten by the resurrection. This makes the experience of new birth in the individual a result of God relating to us by Christ.
ii. Baptism Saves By Resurrection
1 Pet. 3:21
The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Having been baptized into Christ’s death, we are raised by His life.
Refer to Rom. 6:4-5
b. Sacrifices Acceptable By Christ
1 Pet. 2:5
Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
As we relate in Christ as the house that God has made us to be, the sacrifices will proceed out of the house, and therefore are by Christ. That they are by Christ makes them acceptable to God.
c. The Calling Is By Christ
1 Pet. 5:10
But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
We are called by Christ. God’s purpose and goal is Christ, and therefore must call us by Christ. If God were to call us as individuals, He would not gain Christ by calling us; He would only gain believers who do no fulfill His purpose.
C. THROUGH CHRIST
See the definition for "by" at the beginning of the previous section. Sometimes "By" and "through" are different translations for the same word. Sometimes "through" is used to translate the Greek word "en", which we have already discussed at length. For this reason, comments will be minimal in this section to avoid redundancy.
Rom. 11:36
For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.
1. John’s Writings
a. Believing Through Christ
Jn. 1:7
The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
b. Saved Through Christ
Jn. 3:17
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
c. Alive Through Christ
I Jn. 4:9
In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.
2. Pauline Epistles
a. Peace With God Through Christ
i.
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
ii.
Phil. 4:7And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
b. Alive Unto God Through Christ
i.
Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
ii.
Rom. 6:23For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
iii.
Rom. 7:24-25O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.
iv.
Eph. 2:18For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.
v.
Titus 3:5-6…according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour.
c. Overcomers Through Christ
i.
Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.
ii.
1 Cor. 15:57But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
iii.
2 Cor. 10:4For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds…
d. God’s Blessings Come Through Christ
i.
That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
ii.
Gal. 4:7Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.
iii.
Eph. 2:7That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
e. Other Verses
i. Trust Towards God Through Christ
2 Cor. 3:4
And such trust have we through Christ to God-ward:
ii. God Causes Us To Please Him Through Christ
Heb. 13:21
Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.
3. Peter’s Epistles
1 Pet. 4:11
If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Once more we see that we personally do not glorify God. He is only glorified through Christ as we let Christ live in us.
The Greek word for "with" denotes union and instrumentality. If we are in Christ, it follows that we are one with Him.
1. The Gospels
a. God With Us
The Lord’s names reveal His character. "Emmanuel" reveals that the Lord’s relationship with His people is one of union.
i.
Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
ii.
Matt. 28:20Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.
iii.
Jn. 14:23Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
iv.
Jn. 17:24Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.
b. As Those Who Are In Christ, We Go With Him Where He Goes
i. Into God’s Habitation
Matt. 12:1-6 (see Mk. 2:25-26, Lk. 6:3-4)
At that time Jesus went on the sabbath day through the corn; and his disciples were an hungred, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat. But when the Pharisees saw it, they said unto him, Behold, thy disciples do that which is not lawful to do upon the sabbath day. But he said unto them, Have ye not read what David did, when he was an hungred, and they that were with him; How he entered into the house of God, and did eat the shewbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, neither for them which were with him, but only for the priests? Or have ye not read in the law, how that on the sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the sabbath, and are blameless? But I say unto you, That in this place is one greater than the temple.
Those who were with David partook of the same grace as he. Likewise, those who are with Christ also enter into God’s dwelling place and partake of that which would be unlawful had we approached the Lord as individuals.
ii. Into Death
Matt. 20:23 (see Mk. 10:39)
And he saith unto them, Ye shall drink indeed of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with…
We are baptized into Jesus’ death with him.
Refer to Rom. 6:3-4.
iii. Into Marriage
Matt. 25:10
And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.
c. Other Verses
i.
He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.
ii.
Matt. 26:29But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom.
iii.
Mk. 15:27-28And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left. And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors.
iv.
Lk. 15:31And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine.
v.
Jn. 13:8Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.
2. Pauline Epistles
a. Dead With Christ
We are dead with Christ in His death, not our own death.
i. Rom. 6:4
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
ii.
Rom. 6:6Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
iii.
Gal. 2:20I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.
iv.
Col. 2:12Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
v.
Col. 2:20Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances…
a. Living With Christ
To live with Christ means that we no longer have our individual lives. We live by His live, and we live unto God as Christ does.
i. Rom. 6:8
Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him.
ii.
Rom. 8:17And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.
iii.
2 Cor. 13:4For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.
iv.
Eph. 2:5Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)…
v.
Col. 2:13And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses…
vi.
Col. 3:1If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.
vii.
Col 3:3-4For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
viii.
2 Tim. 2:11-12It is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him…
3. John’s Writings
I Jn. 1:3
That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.
Because we are in Christ, we have been brought into a fellowship with Him and with the Father that cannot be accessed any other way.
E. WHEREIN
The term "wherein" is not used in relation to Christ but in relation to what Christ is made unto us. However, we could not be in grace, or in salvation, except we first be in Christ.
1. In Grace
Grace is not a thing that is given to us to hold onto, or an action taken toward us but a relationship in which we have been placed.
a. Standing In Grace
i.
By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
ii.
1 Pet. 5:12I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand.
b. Accepted in the Beloved In Grace
Eph. 1:6
To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.
c. In Grace, the Lord Abounds Toward Us
Eph 1:7-8
…according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence…
2. Other Verses
a. In the Gospel
1 Cor. 15:1
Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
b. Buried and Raised In Baptism
Col. 2:12
Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
c. In Salvation
1 Pet. 3:20-21
Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
d. In a New Creation
2 Pet. 3:13
Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
III. Other Verses Pertaining to Being In Christ
A. Oneness
The following verses refer to our being one with Christ without actually using the phrase "in Christ". However, to be one with Christ is to be in Christ, making it appropriate to add this list of references to our study. This is not an exhaustive list of verses that mention our oneness with Christ since any verses that simultaneously mentions us being in Christ and one with Christ are mentioned in the appropriate section of the outline.
Matt. 3:3 (see Mk. 1:3, Lk. 3:4, Jn. 1:23)
For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
Matt. 19:5-6 (see Mk. 10:6-9)
And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.
Matt. 23:8-10
But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ.
Refer to Eph. 4:4-6.
Mk. 12:6
Having yet therefore one son, his wellbeloved, he sent him also last unto them, saying, They will reverence my son.
e. One Man Dies
Jn. 11:50-52
Nor consider that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not. And this spake he not of himself: but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus should die for that nation; And not for that nation only, but that also he should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.
f. We are One
Jn. 17:11
And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.
2. The Book of Acts
In the book of Acts, we see the church manifesting the One that they are in Christ:
a. Acts 1:14
These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.
b.
Acts 2:1-4And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
c.
Acts 2:46And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
d.
Acts 4:24And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God, which hast made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is:
e.
Acts 4:32And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common.
f.
Acts 5:12And by the hands of the apostles were many signs and wonders wrought among the people; (and they were all with one accord in Solomon's porch.
g.
Acts 8:6And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did.
3. The Pauline Epistles
Remember, the One is Christ.
a. One Death
2 Cor. 5:14
For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead.
The Lord does not need me to die; He needs me to be made conformable to the only death He accepts: Christ’s death.
Refer to Phil. 3:10.
b. One Has No Need of a Mediator
Gal. 3:20
Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.
We are one with Christ. Therefore we no longer need a mediator as those under the law needed a mediator.
c. One Spirit
1 Cor. 6:16-17
What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.
d. One Body
i.
For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.
ii.
1 Cor. 12:12For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
iii.
1 Cor. 12:20But now are they many members, yet but one body.
iv.
Eph. 2:14For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
v.
Eph. 5:30-32For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
e. One Bride
2 Cor. 11:2
For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.
The whole church is presented as one chaste virgin.
f. One Seed
i.
Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.
ii.
Heb. 2:11For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,
iii.
Heb. 11:12Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable.
g. One Ministry
1 Cor. 3:8
Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.
There is only one ministry whose source is Christ, and that is ministry accomplished by the life of Christ with the goal of an increase of Christ.
B. Other Verses
1. We Are a Body
a. A Spiritual Body
1 Cor. 15:44
It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.
The spiritual body in Christ is raised up in Christ. As it is a heavenly relationship, it is not perceived by the five senses but must be revealed by the Spirit.
b. The Body Is Reality
Col. 2:17
Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
The external actions of the Old Testament were a shadow. We who are in Christ live in the reality of which the shadows spoke: the body that is of Christ.
2. As He Is, So Are We
I Jn. 4:17
Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.
Because we are in Christ, what is true of Him is true of us.
a. Those In Christ Have Been Brought Forth After His Kind
Jn. 12:23-24
And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.
We are the fruit, the increase brought forth in resurrection. In Christ, we are the one seed. We have His life, so we are after His kind.
b. As He Lives, So Do We
i.
Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.
Our life in Christ is based upon Christ being raised from the dead.
ii.
Jn. 14:19Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.
We have been so completely united with Christ that we are only alive because He lives.
c. We Are Where He Is
Jn. 14:3
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
We are where Jesus is right now – raised and seated in heavenly places, alive unto God. This is a relationship that was brought into existence by being joined with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection.
Refer to Jn. 1:18, and Eph. 2:5-6.
d. We Bear His Image
1 Cor. 15:47-49
The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is the Lord from heaven. As is the earthy, such are they also that are earthy: and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly. And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly.
We are in the second man (or "mankind") who is the Lord from heaven. It is a spiritual man whose beginning was the resurrection. We who are in Christ bear that image because we are of that man.
Refer to Col. 2:17.
IV. Exhortations To Union
A. The Lord has done His part…
by placing us in Christ and continuing to relate to us by Christ, regardless of the level of our knowledge concerning this relationship. Our part is to live in Christ, to remain there in understanding. The following verses expound upon this very thought.
1. Abide In Christ
Jn. 15:1-8
I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.
We are in Christ. This is a settled and established fact. The question is, will we remain there? If we do, we will live in the purpose for which we were brought into Christ to begin with – to bring forth an increase of Christ to the glory of the Father. If we do not remain in Christ, we lose the purpose for our existence.
2. Walk Worthy
Eph. 4:1-6
I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
Paul beseeches that our walk would conform to reality. If there is only one body, one purpose for that body, and one Spirit filling it, then we should behave towards one another as one body, not many individuals. To do so, we must judge one another according to the one raised new man that has only one life, rather than after the speech, attitudes, and actions of individual believers. Love is based on there only being one body, as is forgiveness, forbearance, and longsuffering.
B. Have One Mind
Phil. 2:5
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus…
There is only one mind in Christ, and that is the mind of Christ. We are exhorted to permit this mind to be in us. If we do, then we will all be of one mind.
1. Having One Mind Glorifies God
Rom. 15:5-6
Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The standard of likemindedness is Christ.
2. We Relate to Other Believers by One Mind
a.
Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
b.
Phil. 2:2Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
c.
1 Pet. 3:8Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous.
3. The Progress of the Gospel Is the Result of Having One Mind
Phil. 1:27
Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;
C. Like and the Same
1. The Same Mind
a. One Toward Another
i.
Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
ii.
1 Cor. 1:10Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
iii.
Phil. 3:8-10, 14-16Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death…I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.
The same rule by which we all should walk is the high calling of God in Christ. What is that high calling? To know him in the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death.
b. As Christ
1 Pet. 4:1
Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;
2. The Same Body
Eph. 3:6
That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel:
a. We Are Changed Into His Glorious Body
Phil. 3:21
Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
"Fashioned like unto" means "jointly formed".
b. The Same Care
1 Cor. 12:25
That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
We have the same care one for another because there is only one body.
3. The Same Image
2 Cor. 3:18
But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
When we see the Lord in the reading of the Word, we are changed into His very image.
In some cases, we are told that we have already put on Christ. In other cases, we are exhorted to put on Christ even though we are already in Christ.
Gal. 3:27
For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
2. We Are To Put On Christ
a. Put On…
i. The Armor of Light
Rom. 13:12
The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light…
ii. The Lord Jesus Christ
Rom. 13:14
But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.
iii. Incorruption
1 Cor. 15:53-54
For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.
The context for this passage is that the second man is the Lord from heaven. He is the spiritual body that was raised in incorruption.
iv. The New Man
Eph. 4:24
And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.
v. The Whole Armor of God
Eph. 6:11
Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
b. Be Clothed with…
i. The House Not Made with Hands
2 Cor. 5:1-5
For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit.
ii. White Raiment, Christ Our Righteousness
a.
He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
b.
Rev. 3:18I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.
E. Divisions Warned Against
Since in Christ there is only One, any schism or division among the members is detrimental to our relationship with one another in Christ. We cannot express Christ if we are identifying in our individual selves rather than in the body that we are in Christ.
1. Christ Is One
1 Cor. 1:13
Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
No, Christ is not divided; Christ is one.
2. One House
Matt. 12:25 (see Mk. 3:24-25, Lk. 11:17)
And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand.
The Lord only has one house, and it will remain eternal in the heavens. Nothing in Christ can be touched by corruption.
3. Avoid Division
Rom. 16:17-18
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.
4. Division Is the Mark of Carnality
1 Cor. 3:3-9
For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal? Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase. Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour. For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
Carnality is defined as permitting division in the body. Factions and strife are the symptoms of carnality, of not having seen the Lord. To see the Lord is to know that we are one body.
Refer to Gal. 5:16-20, and Eph. 4:1-6
F. Some Final Thoughts
The following passages can help us to determine whether we are relating to the Father in the same way that He is relating to us – by Christ.
1. Enter Into the Way of Life
Matt. 7:13-14 (see Lk. 13:24)
Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
Have we entered into the way that leads to life, not just by being born again, but have we knowingly entered into abiding with Christ?
Matt. 27:41-44
Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said, He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him. He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God. The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.
I have been crucified with Christ (Gal. 2:20). Will I cast that precious death back in his teeth, or will I see it for what it is – the way to life in Christ Jesus?
3. Be Found In Christ!
Phil. 3:8-10
Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death;
Identifying in this great relationship comes before understanding. May we be found in him… that we may know him!