In Christ, With Christ and For Christ
in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17), with Christ (Col. 3:1-3) and for Christ (2 Cor. 5:20).
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. 2 Cor. 5:17 (NASB)
Anyone who is joined to Christ is a new being; the old is gone, the new has come. 2 Cor. 5:17 (GNT)
In the natural realm our birthday is often remembered and celebrated. But few people know the day of their conception. Yet without conception there would be no physical birth and certainly no birthday. Even Jesus had a conception (Matt.1:18).
Our spiritual life begins with a spiritual conception of life. This is what we mean by being in Christ. The Bible uses many phrases to explain this truth - saved, born-again, eternal life, new creation. It begins the moment the Holy Spirit makes us alive to the existence of God, causing us to accept him as our Lord and saviour.
A spiritual conception is the beginning of us becoming a new creation or a new being in Christ. It is so vital that I shudder to think of those who live and die without it. Jesus said to Nicodemus I am telling you the truth: no one can see the Kingdom of God without being born again (John 3:3 GNT). Are you in Christ? Have you taken that crucial decision of accepting Jesus as your Lord and saviour?
In Christ we are raised to live with Christ. A topic we shall explore more next time. May you continue in Christ, with Christ and for Christ.