Articles
In Christ
In Christ
Wayne Burger
The prepositional phrase “in Christ,” or some other term which designates Christ, is a very popular phrase with the apostle Paul. More than the fact that it was a popular phrase with Paul, it offers numerous blessings for those who are “in Christ.” “Every spiritual blessing” is found in Christ Ephesians 1:3. When one gets into Christ, he/she becomes a “new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come” 2 Corinthians 5:17. No only will one become a new creation in Christ, but as long one tries to serve God, he or she will not be condemned. “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” Romans 8:1. Those in Christ have salvation and eternal life (2 Timothy 2:10; I John 5:11).
Since all these spiritual blessings are found in Christ, it behooves us to find out how one gets into Christ. Although there are five steps to get to Christ, the Bible does not label them “step 1” and “step 2” etc. These steps, however, do follow a logical pattern.
First step, one must hear about Christ. It is logical that one must hear about Christ before that person can get into Christ. Jesus said, “It is written in the prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught of God.’ Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father, comes to Me” John 6:45. As one continues to read biblical accounts of Jesus and His activities, the reader begins to trust in Jesus, the Christ.
Second step, one must believe there is a Christ. Once one learns about Christ, he/she must believe that He is the Son of God and that He offers salvation. That belief comes from reading the Bible. Paul wrote, “So faith come from hearing and hearing by the word of Christ” Romans 10:17. But, just because one believes in Christ does not mean that he or she receives the blessings found in Christ.
Third step, one must repent of the sins he or she has committed. Repentance is a change of mind that leads to a change in actions. Christ expects those who are going to receive the blessings from being in Christ, to leave their life of sin and live as sin-free as possible. Peter said, “The Lord…not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance” 2 Peter 3:9. Repentance comes when one feels remorse and sorrowful for the sin he or she has committed. Paul explains, “For the sorrow that is according to the will of God produces a repentance without regret, leading to salvation, but the sorry of the world produces death” 2 Corinthians 7:10. Repentance does not obtain salvation for the person. Repentance gets one out of the sinning business, but it does not get the stain of sin from one’s record.
Fourth step, one must confess his or her faith in Christ as the Son of God. A confession is a declaration of one’s loyalty. An example of a confession is found when Peter confessed Jesus. He said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” Matthew 16:16. God wants us to acknowledge that Jesus is God’s Son and savior of those who obey Him.
Fifth step, one must be immersed in water for the forgiveness of his or her sin. On the day that Christianity began Peter preached and convinced the crowd that they had killed Christ. They responded by asking, “What shall we do?” Acts 2:37. Peter told them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” Acts 2:38. Saul, who later came to called “Paul,” was told, “Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name?” Acts 22:16. When one is immersed in water his or her sins are forgiven. They are forgiven because in being immersed one is immersed into the death of Christ, where, symbolically, one reaches the blood of Christ. It is the blood that washes away our sins, not the water. The water is simply the means by which one reaches that blood.
Jesus died, was buried, and arose from the dead. That is what baptism displays. One dies to his or her sins, is then buried in the water of baptism, and raised to what a new life, just like Jesus was raised to walk again.
Have you received the blessings that are in Christ? If not, why not? The only way these blessings can be yours is for you to follow the steps that are listed above. Let us assist you in receiving those wonderful blessings.
