"In Christ": What does ir really mean?

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.

DJT_47

Well-known member
Oct 20, 2022
1,002
177
63
#1
"In Christ": What does it really mean?

The words “in Christ” and similar, i.e.; “in Jesus Christ”, “in Christ Jesus”, “in him’, are used ad nauseam within the Christian world with hardly anyone ever giving any thought whatsoever as to what the words really mean or entail, thus relegating them to nothing more than Christian “buzz words” that sound good and Christian-like.

So what do these words really mean? What does it mean to be “in Christ” and how does one get “in Christ” or into Christ? Is there a specific way stated in the bible? Are there unique benefits for being “in Christ” once one has achieved that state of being “in him”? Are there benefits available to those not being “in Christ”? Can you receive spiritual blessings without being “in Christ”?

These are logical questions that should be asked or considered when one sees or uses these or similar words inferring the same.
There are 146 references in the New Testament (may not be all inclusive, but close if not) using these exact or similar words as those mentioned above. If mentioned that frequently and to that extent, it must be of great importance, so likewise, all should render like importance to these words when using them, clearly understanding what they truly mean and entail.
Consider the suffix “ian” attached to the word “Christ” to become the word Christian; what does "ian" attached to the end a word mean or indicate? One of its meanings is 'from or belonging to'. As it pertains to Christ, it indicates that a Christian is from or belonging to, or in other words, owned by Christ! It should be noted too that the word “Christian” doesn’t mean a believer in or follower of Christ, but rather really means owned by Christ. So, you could be a believer in and follower of Jesus, practice some form of “Christian” religious worship, be devout, moral, etc. etc, but not be owned by Him, not “in him”.
Note that the bible says the following:
1 Cor 6:20 "For ye are bought with a price:"
Acts 20:28 “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood."
The above clearly states that Christ purchased or bought the church with His own blood, so it's clear that Christians, those owned by Christ, those that are part of his body (the church), have been bought and paid for by his blood which was the price he paid for them who are now “in him”. Therefore, those that are “in” the church are His, and are “in him”.
What are some of the benefits that being owned by or “in Christ” bestowed upon you that are unable to be conferred in any other way according to scripture?
•Be saved, receive redemption, have your sins remitted and added to the Lord’s body which is the church
•Be buried/planted with Him in the likeness of his death thus enabling like resurrection
•Put on Christ and become a Christian and child of God
•Receive the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts, blessings, have hope, and be made alive in Him
So, how do you become owned by, “in Christ”, and part of the church? The fact of the matter is, there is one specific way mentioned in the bible as to what one must do to be “in Christ” as well as benefits for being “in him” that can only be realized thereby: by baptism.
Rom 6:3 “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death”?
Gal 3:26/27 “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ”.
1st Cor 12:13 “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
Rom 6:4 “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”.
Col 2:12 “Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead”.
Rom 6:5 “For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection”:
Acts 2:38 “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost”. 41 “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls”. 47 “Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”
•Christ’s body is the church of which He is the head (Col 1:18, Eph 5:23);
•You become part of the church by becoming a part of His body. You become part of His body by being baptized into it.
•In it (His body, the church), you obtain spiritual blessings (Eph 1:3).
•Are you really a Christian without being part of His body, the church, which you are added to upon being baptized (Acts 2:41, 47)?
•If you’re not buried with Him through baptism, can you then still be raised with Him?
 

Walter

Well-known member
Jul 20, 2022
1,282
597
113
77
Washington
firstthings1sttab.tripod.com
#2
"In Christ": What does it really mean?

The words “in Christ” and similar, i.e.; “in Jesus Christ”, “in Christ Jesus”, “in him’, are used ad nauseam within the Christian world with hardly anyone ever giving any thought whatsoever as to what the words really mean or entail, thus relegating them to nothing more than Christian “buzz words” that sound good and Christian-like.

So what do these words really mean? What does it mean to be “in Christ” and how does one get “in Christ” or into Christ? Is there a specific way stated in the bible? Are there unique benefits for being “in Christ” once one has achieved that state of being “in him”? Are there benefits available to those not being “in Christ”? Can you receive spiritual blessings without being “in Christ”?

These are logical questions that should be asked or considered when one sees or uses these or similar words inferring the same.
There are 146 references in the New Testament (may not be all inclusive, but close if not) using these exact or similar words as those mentioned above. If mentioned that frequently and to that extent, it must be of great importance, so likewise, all should render like importance to these words when using them, clearly understanding what they truly mean and entail.
Consider the suffix “ian” attached to the word “Christ” to become the word Christian; what does "ian" attached to the end a word mean or indicate? One of its meanings is 'from or belonging to'. As it pertains to Christ, it indicates that a Christian is from or belonging to, or in other words, owned by Christ! It should be noted too that the word “Christian” doesn’t mean a believer in or follower of Christ, but rather really means owned by Christ. So, you could be a believer in and follower of Jesus, practice some form of “Christian” religious worship, be devout, moral, etc. etc, but not be owned by Him, not “in him”.
Note that the bible says the following:
1 Cor 6:20 "For ye are bought with a price:"
Acts 20:28 “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood."
The above clearly states that Christ purchased or bought the church with His own blood, so it's clear that Christians, those owned by Christ, those that are part of his body (the church), have been bought and paid for by his blood which was the price he paid for them who are now “in him”. Therefore, those that are “in” the church are His, and are “in him”.
What are some of the benefits that being owned by or “in Christ” bestowed upon you that are unable to be conferred in any other way according to scripture?
•Be saved, receive redemption, have your sins remitted and added to the Lord’s body which is the church
•Be buried/planted with Him in the likeness of his death thus enabling like resurrection
•Put on Christ and become a Christian and child of God
•Receive the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts, blessings, have hope, and be made alive in Him
So, how do you become owned by, “in Christ”, and part of the church? The fact of the matter is, there is one specific way mentioned in the bible as to what one must do to be “in Christ” as well as benefits for being “in him” that can only be realized thereby: by baptism.
Rom 6:3 “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death”?
Gal 3:26/27 “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ”.
1st Cor 12:13 “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
Rom 6:4 “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”.
Col 2:12 “Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead”.
Rom 6:5 “For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection”:
Acts 2:38 “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost”. 41 “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls”. 47 “Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”
•Christ’s body is the church of which He is the head (Col 1:18, Eph 5:23);
•You become part of the church by becoming a part of His body. You become part of His body by being baptized into it.
•In it (His body, the church), you obtain spiritual blessings (Eph 1:3).
•Are you really a Christian without being part of His body, the church, which you are added to upon being baptized (Acts 2:41, 47)?
•If you’re not buried with Him through baptism, can you then still be raised with Him?
Hello DJT_47, Sound to me like you have answered most of the questions, but Jesus said: Take my yoke upon you and learn of Me, would be a good start.

Love, Walter
 

Webers.Home

Well-known member
May 28, 2018
5,202
976
113
Oregon
cfbac.org
#3
.
Once folks manage to comprehend what it means to be in Adam, they'll be
well on the way to comprehending what it means to be in Christ because the
circumstances are very similar.
_
 

Walter

Well-known member
Jul 20, 2022
1,282
597
113
77
Washington
firstthings1sttab.tripod.com
#4
"In Christ": What does it really mean?

The words “in Christ” and similar, i.e.; “in Jesus Christ”, “in Christ Jesus”, “in him’, are used ad nauseam within the Christian world with hardly anyone ever giving any thought whatsoever as to what the words really mean or entail, thus relegating them to nothing more than Christian “buzz words” that sound good and Christian-like.

So what do these words really mean? What does it mean to be “in Christ” and how does one get “in Christ” or into Christ? Is there a specific way stated in the bible? Are there unique benefits for being “in Christ” once one has achieved that state of being “in him”? Are there benefits available to those not being “in Christ”? Can you receive spiritual blessings without being “in Christ”?

These are logical questions that should be asked or considered when one sees or uses these or similar words inferring the same.
There are 146 references in the New Testament (may not be all inclusive, but close if not) using these exact or similar words as those mentioned above. If mentioned that frequently and to that extent, it must be of great importance, so likewise, all should render like importance to these words when using them, clearly understanding what they truly mean and entail.
Consider the suffix “ian” attached to the word “Christ” to become the word Christian; what does "ian" attached to the end a word mean or indicate? One of its meanings is 'from or belonging to'. As it pertains to Christ, it indicates that a Christian is from or belonging to, or in other words, owned by Christ! It should be noted too that the word “Christian” doesn’t mean a believer in or follower of Christ, but rather really means owned by Christ. So, you could be a believer in and follower of Jesus, practice some form of “Christian” religious worship, be devout, moral, etc. etc, but not be owned by Him, not “in him”.
Note that the bible says the following:
1 Cor 6:20 "For ye are bought with a price:"
Acts 20:28 “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood."
The above clearly states that Christ purchased or bought the church with His own blood, so it's clear that Christians, those owned by Christ, those that are part of his body (the church), have been bought and paid for by his blood which was the price he paid for them who are now “in him”. Therefore, those that are “in” the church are His, and are “in him”.
What are some of the benefits that being owned by or “in Christ” bestowed upon you that are unable to be conferred in any other way according to scripture?
•Be saved, receive redemption, have your sins remitted and added to the Lord’s body which is the church
•Be buried/planted with Him in the likeness of his death thus enabling like resurrection
•Put on Christ and become a Christian and child of God
•Receive the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts, blessings, have hope, and be made alive in Him
So, how do you become owned by, “in Christ”, and part of the church? The fact of the matter is, there is one specific way mentioned in the bible as to what one must do to be “in Christ” as well as benefits for being “in him” that can only be realized thereby: by baptism.
Rom 6:3 “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death”?
Gal 3:26/27 “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ”.
1st Cor 12:13 “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
Rom 6:4 “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”.
Col 2:12 “Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead”.
Rom 6:5 “For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection”:
Acts 2:38 “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost”. 41 “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls”. 47 “Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”
•Christ’s body is the church of which He is the head (Col 1:18, Eph 5:23);
•You become part of the church by becoming a part of His body. You become part of His body by being baptized into it.
•In it (His body, the church), you obtain spiritual blessings (Eph 1:3).
•Are you really a Christian without being part of His body, the church, which you are added to upon being baptized (Acts 2:41, 47)?
•If you’re not buried with Him through baptism, can you then still be raised with Him?
Hi again, What Does the Bible Say About Being In Christ? (openbible.info)

Walter
 

Cameron143

Well-known member
Mar 1, 2022
14,689
5,309
113
62
#5
.
Once folks manage to comprehend what it means to be in Adam, they'll be
well on the way to comprehending what it means to be in Christ because the
circumstances are very similar.
_
This is a very good point as being in Adam and being in Christ are juxtaposed in Romans 5. Since all the promises of God are in Christ it would be good to find out.
 

Mofastus

Active member
May 23, 2019
400
225
43
#6
"In Christ": What does it really mean?

The words “in Christ” and similar, i.e.; “in Jesus Christ”, “in Christ Jesus”, “in him’, are used ad nauseam within the Christian world with hardly anyone ever giving any thought whatsoever as to what the words really mean or entail, thus relegating them to nothing more than Christian “buzz words” that sound good and Christian-like.

So what do these words really mean? What does it mean to be “in Christ” and how does one get “in Christ” or into Christ? Is there a specific way stated in the bible? Are there unique benefits for being “in Christ” once one has achieved that state of being “in him”? Are there benefits available to those not being “in Christ”? Can you receive spiritual blessings without being “in Christ”?

These are logical questions that should be asked or considered when one sees or uses these or similar words inferring the same.
There are 146 references in the New Testament (may not be all inclusive, but close if not) using these exact or similar words as those mentioned above. If mentioned that frequently and to that extent, it must be of great importance, so likewise, all should render like importance to these words when using them, clearly understanding what they truly mean and entail.
Consider the suffix “ian” attached to the word “Christ” to become the word Christian; what does "ian" attached to the end a word mean or indicate? One of its meanings is 'from or belonging to'. As it pertains to Christ, it indicates that a Christian is from or belonging to, or in other words, owned by Christ! It should be noted too that the word “Christian” doesn’t mean a believer in or follower of Christ, but rather really means owned by Christ. So, you could be a believer in and follower of Jesus, practice some form of “Christian” religious worship, be devout, moral, etc. etc, but not be owned by Him, not “in him”.
Note that the bible says the following:
1 Cor 6:20 "For ye are bought with a price:"
Acts 20:28 “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood."
The above clearly states that Christ purchased or bought the church with His own blood, so it's clear that Christians, those owned by Christ, those that are part of his body (the church), have been bought and paid for by his blood which was the price he paid for them who are now “in him”. Therefore, those that are “in” the church are His, and are “in him”.
What are some of the benefits that being owned by or “in Christ” bestowed upon you that are unable to be conferred in any other way according to scripture?
•Be saved, receive redemption, have your sins remitted and added to the Lord’s body which is the church
•Be buried/planted with Him in the likeness of his death thus enabling like resurrection
•Put on Christ and become a Christian and child of God
•Receive the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts, blessings, have hope, and be made alive in Him
So, how do you become owned by, “in Christ”, and part of the church? The fact of the matter is, there is one specific way mentioned in the bible as to what one must do to be “in Christ” as well as benefits for being “in him” that can only be realized thereby: by baptism.
Rom 6:3 “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death”?
Gal 3:26/27 “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ”.
1st Cor 12:13 “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
Rom 6:4 “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”.
Col 2:12 “Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead”.
Rom 6:5 “For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection”:
Acts 2:38 “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost”. 41 “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls”. 47 “Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”
•Christ’s body is the church of which He is the head (Col 1:18, Eph 5:23);
•You become part of the church by becoming a part of His body. You become part of His body by being baptized into it.
•In it (His body, the church), you obtain spiritual blessings (Eph 1:3).
•Are you really a Christian without being part of His body, the church, which you are added to upon being baptized (Acts 2:41, 47)?
•If you’re not buried with Him through baptism, can you then still be raised with Him?
Paul had a simple solution...

2 Corinthians 10:7 Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? If any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's.

and for those that are "in Christ" the very next verse...

2 Corinthians 10:8 For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:

and a warning:

1 Corinthians 8:11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?

1 Corinthians 8:12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.
 
Mar 23, 2016
6,857
1,646
113
#7
What does it mean to be “in Christ” and how does one get “in Christ” or into Christ? Is there a specific way stated in the bible? Are there unique benefits for being “in Christ” once one has achieved that state of being “in him”? Are there benefits available to those not being “in Christ”? Can you receive spiritual blessings without being “in Christ”?
My 2¢:

At the time a person is born again, he/she is a member in particular in the body of Christ:

1 Corinthians 12:27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.


The Lord Jesus Christ is the Head of the body:

Colossians 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.


The Lord Jesus Christ, as the Head of His body, has given ministers to His body:

Ephesians 4:

11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;


The purpose of the ministers:

12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ

in vs 12, the word "perfecting" is translated from the Greek word katartismos which means exact adjustment which describes how (enables) the individual parts to work together in correct order (HELPS Word-studies).

Each individual believer is to be equipped for the work of the ministry for the edifying (building up) of the body of Christ.


The believer:

As believers, we are instructed to live according to who we are in the Lord Jesus Christ. There are a couple of verses which tell us to put off the old man and put on the new man:

Ephesians 4:

20 But ye have not so learned Christ;

21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:

22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.


Colossians 3:

8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.

9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him


When we are born again, if we continue to live in light of who we were in Adam (i.e. we don't put off the old man), we will behave no differently than we did before we were born again. We will be members in particular Christ's body, but we will not be functioning under Him as Head of the body. We will be following our own desires. We will be "carnal Christians" and we will remain in spiritual infancy. The first 3 chapters in 1 Corinthians describes a church where the believers are carnal ... they follow men instead of the Lord Jesus Christ and they remain babes in Christ (1 Cor 3:1).


However, if we put off the old man and put on the new man, we will live in light of who we are in the Lord Jesus Christ. We will follow Him as Head of His body and we will be changed from the inside as God works within us to cleanse us and complete His work in us:

Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.

As we continue to grow up and mature spiritually, the old man has less and less influence and we don't follow those old habit patterns. As we learn from Scripture and hold God's Word in our minds, we are able to overcome those old habits and not be drawn away from the Lord Jesus Christ by the lusts of our flesh. We grow up and mature to the point where we stand strong in Him as He helps us with our burdens.

Ephesians 4:

7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?

10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)

11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

Another good section of Scripture to read is John 15 where we learn that we can do nothing on our own and as we abide in the Lord Jesus Christ, He will work within us to bring forth much fruit (John 15:5).
 

DJT_47

Well-known member
Oct 20, 2022
1,002
177
63
#8
My 2¢:

At the time a person is born again, he/she is a member in particular in the body of Christ:

1 Corinthians 12:27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.


The Lord Jesus Christ is the Head of the body:

Colossians 1:18 And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.


The Lord Jesus Christ, as the Head of His body, has given ministers to His body:

Ephesians 4:

11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;


The purpose of the ministers:

12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ

in vs 12, the word "perfecting" is translated from the Greek word katartismos which means exact adjustment which describes how (enables) the individual parts to work together in correct order (HELPS Word-studies).

Each individual believer is to be equipped for the work of the ministry for the edifying (building up) of the body of Christ.


The believer:

As believers, we are instructed to live according to who we are in the Lord Jesus Christ. There are a couple of verses which tell us to put off the old man and put on the new man:

Ephesians 4:

20 But ye have not so learned Christ;

21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:

22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.


Colossians 3:

8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.

9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds;

10 And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him


When we are born again, if we continue to live in light of who we were in Adam (i.e. we don't put off the old man), we will behave no differently than we did before we were born again. We will be members in particular Christ's body, but we will not be functioning under Him as Head of the body. We will be following our own desires. We will be "carnal Christians" and we will remain in spiritual infancy. The first 3 chapters in 1 Corinthians describes a church where the believers are carnal ... they follow men instead of the Lord Jesus Christ and they remain babes in Christ (1 Cor 3:1).

However, if we put off the old man and put on the new man, we will live in light of who we are in the Lord Jesus Christ. We will follow Him as Head of His body and we will be changed from the inside as God works within us to cleanse us and complete His work in us:

Philippians 1:6 Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.

As we continue to grow up and mature spiritually, the old man has less and less influence and we don't follow those old habit patterns. As we learn from Scripture and hold God's Word in our minds, we are able to overcome those old habits and not be drawn away from the Lord Jesus Christ by the lusts of our flesh. We grow up and mature to the point where we stand strong in Him as He helps us with our burdens.

Ephesians 4:

7 But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ.

8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.

9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?

10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)

11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

Another good section of Scripture to read is John 15 where we learn that we can do nothing on our own and as we abide in the Lord Jesus Christ, He will work within us to bring forth much fruit (John 15:5).
I dont disagree with the scriptures posted nor am i ignorantof them; how can anyone disagree with scripture? The whole point of my post was to indicate that there's a way that one gets into Christ and that's by being baptized into him. There's no other way to become part of the body of Christ other than by baptism into it as the scriptures teach, which is not the position that most people take, but that's what the scriptures say. So as a result, they continually use the phrase "in Christ" without really understanding its meaning and that there is a way that a person gets to be "in Christ ".
 
Mar 23, 2016
6,857
1,646
113
#9
So as a result, they continually use the phrase "in Christ" without really understanding its meaning and that there is a way that a person gets to be "in Christ ".
A believer can be "baptized into Him" and still be carnal. A believer is a member in particular in the body of Christ the moment he/she is born again. If a born again believer continues to live his/her life according to who he/she was in Adam, the works exhibited in his/her life will be carnal/fleshly:

Colossians 3:

8 But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.

9 Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds

The behaviors shown in Col 3:8-9 are carnal, fleshly habits we will have exhibited in our lives if we do not put off the old man ... even if we are "baptized into Him". We will still be members in particular in His body, but our outward behavior will not be aligned with our inward new creation.

When we put off the old man and put on the new man and remain in the Lord Jesus Christ as instructed in Rom 13:14, we are in a prime position to overcome and be victorious over who we were in Adam.

Romans 13:14 But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof.

I know of no other way to overcome the flesh to not make provision for the flesh to fulfill the lusts thereof.

The Lord Jesus Christ is in each and every born again believer ... the Lord Jesus Christ was tempted in all points like as we are yet without sin (Heb 4:15). He helps us through the trials of this life as we rely on Him, turn to Him, and do not allow the lusts of our flesh to draw us away from Him.

.
 

Eli1

Well-known member
Apr 5, 2022
3,274
1,117
113
46
#10
Hi there @DJT_47 .
I came here from this thread.

How is this thread different from the other one?
 

DJT_47

Well-known member
Oct 20, 2022
1,002
177
63
#11
Hi there @DJT_47 .
I came here from this thread.

How is this thread different from the other one?
Way different! It doesn't simply ask the question, but provides concise answers by scripture.
 

Eli1

Well-known member
Apr 5, 2022
3,274
1,117
113
46
#12
Way different! It doesn't simply ask the question, but provides concise answers by scripture.
I see. Thank you and have a great day.
 

DJT_47

Well-known member
Oct 20, 2022
1,002
177
63
#13
Hi there @DJT_47 .
I came here from this thread.

How is this thread different from the other one?
Sorry. I have already posted the entire thread as a response to someone else I just noticed. Disregard the last response to you. My apologies.
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
12,246
4,960
113
#14
"In Christ": What does it really mean?

The words “in Christ” and similar, i.e.; “in Jesus Christ”, “in Christ Jesus”, “in him’, are used ad nauseam within the Christian world with hardly anyone ever giving any thought whatsoever as to what the words really mean or entail, thus relegating them to nothing more than Christian “buzz words” that sound good and Christian-like.

So what do these words really mean? What does it mean to be “in Christ” and how does one get “in Christ” or into Christ? Is there a specific way stated in the bible? Are there unique benefits for being “in Christ” once one has achieved that state of being “in him”? Are there benefits available to those not being “in Christ”? Can you receive spiritual blessings without being “in Christ”?

These are logical questions that should be asked or considered when one sees or uses these or similar words inferring the same.
There are 146 references in the New Testament (may not be all inclusive, but close if not) using these exact or similar words as those mentioned above. If mentioned that frequently and to that extent, it must be of great importance, so likewise, all should render like importance to these words when using them, clearly understanding what they truly mean and entail.
Consider the suffix “ian” attached to the word “Christ” to become the word Christian; what does "ian" attached to the end a word mean or indicate? One of its meanings is 'from or belonging to'. As it pertains to Christ, it indicates that a Christian is from or belonging to, or in other words, owned by Christ! It should be noted too that the word “Christian” doesn’t mean a believer in or follower of Christ, but rather really means owned by Christ. So, you could be a believer in and follower of Jesus, practice some form of “Christian” religious worship, be devout, moral, etc. etc, but not be owned by Him, not “in him”.
Note that the bible says the following:
1 Cor 6:20 "For ye are bought with a price:"
Acts 20:28 “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood."
The above clearly states that Christ purchased or bought the church with His own blood, so it's clear that Christians, those owned by Christ, those that are part of his body (the church), have been bought and paid for by his blood which was the price he paid for them who are now “in him”. Therefore, those that are “in” the church are His, and are “in him”.
What are some of the benefits that being owned by or “in Christ” bestowed upon you that are unable to be conferred in any other way according to scripture?
•Be saved, receive redemption, have your sins remitted and added to the Lord’s body which is the church
•Be buried/planted with Him in the likeness of his death thus enabling like resurrection
•Put on Christ and become a Christian and child of God
•Receive the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts, blessings, have hope, and be made alive in Him
So, how do you become owned by, “in Christ”, and part of the church? The fact of the matter is, there is one specific way mentioned in the bible as to what one must do to be “in Christ” as well as benefits for being “in him” that can only be realized thereby: by baptism.
Rom 6:3 “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death”?
Gal 3:26/27 “For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ”.
1st Cor 12:13 “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
Rom 6:4 “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”.
Col 2:12 “Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead”.
Rom 6:5 “For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection”:
Acts 2:38 “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost”. 41 “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls”. 47 “Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”
•Christ’s body is the church of which He is the head (Col 1:18, Eph 5:23);
•You become part of the church by becoming a part of His body. You become part of His body by being baptized into it.
•In it (His body, the church), you obtain spiritual blessings (Eph 1:3).
•Are you really a Christian without being part of His body, the church, which you are added to upon being baptized (Acts 2:41, 47)?
•If you’re not buried with Him through baptism, can you then still be raised with Him?
Abraham’s promise

“And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed. So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.

Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.”
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭3:8-9, 16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

christ is the promised seed of Abraham who would bless all nations

“The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭1:1‬ ‭KJV‬‬

To be in Abraham’s promised seed and become an Hier of Abraham and child of God is here in christ

“For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.”
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭3:27-29‬ ‭KJV‬‬

and it’s here in christ

“Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. 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. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.”
‭‭John‬ ‭15:3-4, 7-10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

In other words it’s here as well

“Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:”
‭‭2 John‬ ‭1:9-10‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Anyone who really heard and believes the gospel is in Christ but thy y need to hear the true gospel as he preached it that’s going to our then in Christ it will lead to baptism in his name for remission of sins and will lead here to this

“Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
‭‭John‬ ‭8:31-32‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Which is here in this place of life where we believers find his promise of eternal life offered freely to believers our inheritance as Gods children in Christ

“For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”
‭‭John‬ ‭5:22, 24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

age then sent out his word to all people in the fispel and invites belief in him

 

Webers.Home

Well-known member
May 28, 2018
5,202
976
113
Oregon
cfbac.org
#15
.
To my knowledge; Christ doesn't have any biological offspring, nor
anticipates having any in the future. So obtaining a position in Christ requires
a special act of God instead of an act of natural reproduction: in point of fact
an act of placement. (1Cor 12:13)

In a nutshell; their placement in Christ relates folks to Christ just as
personally as their position in Adam relates them to Adam, viz: though God
has only one begotten son, Christ is a composite of many sons identified
collectively in him as God's one begotten son (1Cor 12:12-27) just as
everybody in Adam is identified collectively as the one Adam; and there are
some remarkable benefits that come with a position in Christ.

First off; Christ is 100% innocent, i.e. he's characterized as a man of sinless
perfection. (John 8:29, 2Cor 5:21, Heb 4:15, and 1Pet 2:22) The
righteousness of Christ is made over-- i.e. imputed --to everyone in this
man similar to how Adam's unrighteousness was made over to everyone in
that man. (Rom 5:19, 2Cor 5:21)

Secondly; Christ is God's heir apparent-- the Father's next of kin --so folks
placed in Christ share that very same status as joint heirs with Christ
because they are all together in him collectively reckoned as God's next of
kin. (Eph 1:11 and Rom 8:16-17)

A joint-heir is different than a regular heir. Regular heirs are apportioned an
individual percentage of their benefactor's estate. But joint-heirs inherit, not
a percentage, but the entire estate, as community property, i.e. everyone
placed in God's son has a right to inherit whatever the Father has
bequeathed His one begotten son because they aren't strictly Christ's
siblings, i.e. they are in him rather than only with him.

For example: supposing a benefactor's estate totals 60 acres of land, 18
gold bars, plus a hedge fund worth 200,000 US Dollars; and he left it all to
six heirs in common. In that situation; the heirs are corporately one
beneficiary instead of six; viz: all six inherit all the land, all the gold, and the
entire fund as if each one were the only heir.

The extent of the Father's estate is astonishing. It incorporates not only all
that is in Heaven, but also all in the entire universe and whatever lies
beyond the universe, plus whatever pertains to the new cosmos spoken of in
Isa 66:17, 2Pet 3:13, and Rev 21:1; and I don't know what else.

John 3:35 . .The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into his
hand.

John 16:15 . . All things that the Father has are mine.
_