What Does it Mean to be "in Christ"?
The phrase "in Christ" is one of the most profound and central concepts in the New Testament, appearing nearly 200 times in various forms. It is not merely a theological abstraction or a poetic expression; it describes a radical, spiritual reality that defines the very essence of Christian identity and experience. To be "in Christ" means far more than simply believing in Him or following His teachings; it signifies a mystical yet tangible union with the resurrected Lord, a complete reorientation of one's existence, and an inheritance of all spiritual blessings. It is the very foundation upon which all aspects of the believer's standing before God and their new life are built.
A New Creation and Identity
Perhaps the most striking declaration concerning being "in Christ" is the promise of a new creation. When an individual repents and places their faith in Jesus Christ, a transformative work occurs, rendering them fundamentally different from their former self. The old self, bound by sin and estranged from God, passes away, and a new spiritual being emerges, infused with divine life.
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
This new identity is not an incremental improvement but a radical spiritual rebirth. We are no longer defined by our past sins, our worldly accomplishments, or our human lineage, but by our union with Christ. Our identity is now rooted in Him, chosen by God Ephesians 1:4 and adopted as His children. This means we are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God (Ephesians 2:19). Our very being is now "hid with Christ in God" (Colossians 3:3), granting us an unshakeable and eternal identity that transcends earthly circumstances.
Union and Indwelling
The concept of being "in Christ" also speaks to an intimate, vital union between the believer and the Saviour. Jesus Himself used the powerful metaphor of the vine and the branches to illustrate this unbreakable connection:
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.
This union is reciprocal: Christ is in us, and we are in Him. It is by the Holy Spirit that this indwelling is accomplished, sealing us unto the day of redemption (Ephesians 4:30) and serving as the down payment of our inheritance. The Apostle Paul powerfully articulated this personal reality:
I 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.
This union means that we share in His life, His death, and His resurrection. We are spiritually united with Him in His crucifixion, buried with Him through baptism, and raised with Him to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4). This intimate fellowship is the source of all spiritual vitality and fruitfulness in the Christian life. As Paul writes, "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27).
Righteousness and Justification
One of the most glorious implications of being "in Christ" is our perfect standing before a holy God. By nature, all humanity is sinful and falls short of God's glory (Romans 3:23). However, in Christ, our unrighteousness is exchanged for His perfect righteousness. This is the doctrine of justification, a forensic declaration by God that the believer is righteous in His sight, not by their own merit, but by faith in Christ's finished work.
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
Our redemption, the forgiveness of sins, is accomplished through His blood (Ephesians 1:7). We are clothed with Christ's righteousness, making us acceptable to God. This means there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus:
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
Furthermore, God has made Christ to be unto us "wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption" (1 Corinthians 1:30). Everything we need for our salvation and spiritual growth is found completely in Him. We are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus (Romans 3:24).
Reconciliation and Peace
Before being "in Christ," humanity was alienated from God, enemies by wicked works (Colossians 1:21). Sin created an insurmountable chasm between the Creator and His creation. However, Christ's atoning work on the cross served as the means of reconciliation, bridging that gap and restoring peace. To be "in Christ" means that we are no longer alienated but have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:
Through Christ, we have direct access to the Father. The veil that separated man from God in the Old Testament temple has been torn, signifying that the way into God's presence is now open for all who are in Christ. We can now "come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16).
Security and Inheritance
The believer's position "in Christ" guarantees eternal security and a glorious inheritance. Our salvation is not tenuous or dependent on our fluctuating performance, but sealed by the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of future glory. As those in Christ, we are:
- Chosen: "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" (Ephesians 1:4).
- Blessed: "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3).
- Seated in Heavenly Places: "And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:6). This speaks of our present spiritual position and future destiny.
- Heirs: "And 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" (Romans 8:17). Our inheritance is nothing less than Christ Himself and all the riches of God's glory.
This security is not a license for sin but a powerful motivation for holy living, knowing that our standing with God is utterly secure in Christ. Nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:39).
Purpose and Power for Living
Being "in Christ" does not just define our spiritual status; it empowers our daily living. The new life we receive is intended to be lived out practically, bearing fruit that glorifies God. We are not saved by good works, but saved unto good works:
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.
The power to live a life pleasing to God comes from Christ dwelling within us. We are enabled to overcome sin, grow in holiness, and fulfill God's purposes for our lives. This is why Paul could confidently declare:
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
This power is accessed through continually abiding in Him, drawing strength from His Spirit, and walking in obedience to His Word. It means living a life of sanctification, a continuous process of being conformed to the image of Christ.
Conclusion: Living Out the Reality
To be "in Christ" is the most glorious reality a human being can experience. It is the foundation of our salvation, the source of our new identity, the guarantee of our eternal security, and the empowerment for our daily walk. It means:
The call for every believer is to continually live out this profound reality. It means daily surrender, abiding in His Word, seeking His face in prayer, and walking by the power of the Holy Spirit. It is a life of faith, continually trusting in who God says we are "in Christ" and allowing that truth to transform every aspect of our being. This blessed assurance is the bedrock of Christian hope, knowing that our life is hidden with Christ in God, and when Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall we also appear with him in glory (Colossians 3:4). This is the true meaning of being "in Christ."