Teacher Speaks: Being in Christ – A New Life in Him
Disciples, elders, and guests, gather around and hear the truth of our union in Christ, a truth that transcends the mere words we speak. I invite you to listen closely, for this is not a fleeting truth but a deep, eternal reality that defines us. In Jesus, through Jesus, and by Jesus, we find life itself. And it is not simply life as you may understand it, but life that is abundant, full, and eternal. Our salvation is not only a release from sin, but a complete transformation of everything that we are. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 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.” In Christ, you are made new, not just outwardly but inwardly, through the work of His Spirit.
We must understand, then, that to be in Christ is not just to make a public profession of faith, though that is vital. To be in Christ is to enter into a spiritual union with Him, a union that changes the very fabric of your being. It is a spiritual connection that is not only of the soul but extends to the spirit and even to your body. I say this so that you will understand that in Him, we are transformed into something we could never be apart from Him. I will guide you through this deeper understanding.
The Nature of Being in Christ: A Spiritual Union
First, consider this: when you are in Christ, you are not alone. You are united with Him in a spiritual union that is both profound and permanent. It is as close as the relationship between husband and wife. Just as a wife is united with her husband, so are you united with Christ. This is why He refers to us as His bride, and He as our bridegroom. This is the foundation of your identity as a believer.
This union is not just a matter of belief, but of spiritual transformation. In Romans 6:4-5, Paul speaks of our identification with Christ through baptism: “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. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.” This is not a mere symbol; this is the reality of your position in Christ. In Him, you are crucified, buried, and raised. In Him, the old man is dead, and the new man lives.
So, we see that being in Christ is not a passive state. It is an active participation in His death and resurrection. It is an intimate connection with Him that results in the breaking of sin’s hold on your life and the birthing of a new nature within you. And this new nature is not a superficial change. It is a complete overhaul of who you are, at the very core of your being. As Paul says in Ephesians 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.” You were made for good works—works that glorify God, works that reflect His nature, works that testify of His grace.
The Spirit and the Mind: A New Way of Thinking
When we are in Christ, the Spirit of God indwells us. He comes not merely to comfort us but to empower us. The Spirit brings understanding, guides our thoughts, and helps us align our lives with God’s will. It is the Spirit who enables us to live in the newness of life. It is He who gives us the strength to overcome sin and the wisdom to navigate the complexities of life. In Romans 8:9, Paul says, “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwells in you.” If you have truly received Christ, the Spirit dwells in you, leading you into truth and empowering you to live as Christ lived.
It is the Spirit who speaks to our intuition, who influences our conscience, and who calls us into deeper communion with God. This is not a distant, abstract relationship. No, beloved, this is a close, living, breathing relationship. We are called to walk in step with the Spirit, as Galatians 5:25 says: “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”
This new life in Christ requires a transformation of the mind. In Romans 12:2, Paul challenges us: “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” You must renew your mind, beloved. Your thoughts must align with the truth of God’s Word. Do not allow the world to shape your thinking, for you are no longer of this world. As a new creation, your thoughts should be captive to Christ. Your mind must be renewed daily by His Word, His Spirit, and His presence.
The Soul: Will, Emotions, and Desires
In Christ, not only is your spirit renewed, but your soul is also transformed. Your will, your emotions, and your desires are all being reshaped to reflect the character of Christ. In Philippians 2:13, Paul reminds us: “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” God works within you, transforming your will, aligning it with His. This is why it is no longer about what you want, but about what God wants for you.
Your emotions, too, must come into alignment with Christ. When you are in Christ, you are called to have joy in all circumstances, peace that surpasses understanding, and love that covers a multitude of sins. As your heart is transformed by the Spirit, your emotions are purified, no longer driven by fleeting desires or selfish ambitions but anchored in the love of God.
In 1 John 4:4, we are reminded: “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” Your emotions should no longer be ruled by fear, anxiety, or the desires of the flesh. You are now empowered by the One who is greater than anything in this world. This new power within you gives you the strength to overcome the challenges of life with courage and grace.
The Body: A Vessel for His Glory
Lastly, the body, though it is the least mentioned of the three, is a crucial aspect of being in Christ. Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, and it must be treated as such. In 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Paul states, “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” Your body is not your own; it belongs to God. Therefore, you must honor God with your body, using it as an instrument for His glory.
Your body is the means through which you interact with the world. Through it, you express your faith, through it, you serve others, and through it, you bring glory to God. As you walk in Christ, you must also walk in purity and integrity with your body, for it is through your actions that others see Christ in you.
Conclusion: Living in Christ, Empowered for Life
In conclusion, let me remind you of the great truth: being in Christ is not just a doctrinal statement; it is a living, breathing reality. It is the very core of who you are. To be in Christ is to be made new in every aspect of your being—spirit, soul, and body. You are empowered to live a life of victory, to be a witness of His grace, and to reflect His character in every word and action.
The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:22, “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” In Christ, you find life—not just life that is physical, but life that is spiritual, abundant, and eternal. You are no longer bound by the chains of sin, but you are free to walk in the freedom of the new creation that you are.
Let us, therefore, walk in this truth. Let us live in the power of His resurrection. Let us abide in Him, as He abides in us, and bring forth much fruit for the glory of God. In Christ, we are more than conquerors. In Christ, we have everything we need. In Christ, we have been made new. This is the secret, the life we are called to live, and it is a life that changes everything.
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