There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1 (NIV)
Being “in Christ Jesus” is what really matters. But what does it mean to be “in Christ”?
Imagine going to a local church on Sunday. When you arrive, you are still outside the building. And whatever direction other people may have come from, however far they have traveled or however short their journey, every person came in from the outside.
In the same way, we were all once outside of Christ. We all start outside of Jesus Christ. But some came in. Some came in slowly, while others came in quickly. Some came in early, while others came in late. But you came in. There was movement.
Faith is the way that you move from being outside Christ to being “in Christ.” Faith is the way in which the atoning death of Jesus and the empowering life of the Holy Spirit become yours. That’s why the Bible says: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31). Believing will put you “in Christ” and Christ will save you.
Believing Christ means saying to God, “I do not have the capacity to become the loving, generous, patient person you call me to be. I need to be rescued. Save me from sins’ penalty by your atoning death and save me from sin’s power by your Holy Spirit. Take control of this run- down, disordered life. Give me direction. You lead and I will follow! Put me under the new management of your Holy Spirit.”
Have you experienced this change of position that can only come from faith?
