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What Does It Mean To Be “In Christ?”

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Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin Articles

A querist asks, In my study of the New Testament, I’ve noticed the phrase, “in Christ” mentioned many times. My question is, What does it mean to be “in Christ?”

As you stated, the phrase “in Christ” appears multiple times within the pages of the New Testament. The biblical meaning of this phrase can be found in Ephesians 2:11-22, where the apostle Paul points out the fact that “in Christ,” both Jew and Gentile have been “reconciled” (brought back or reestablished) into a right relationship with God through the blood of Christ (see Ephesians 2:13-16, and note the word “reconcile” in Ephesians 2:16). Also note the use of this same word in the context of Romans 5:8-11, Colossians 1:18-22, and 2 Corinthians 5:18-19).

Focusing on this “right” relationship to God “in Christ,” various spiritual connotations are attached to this phrase, depending upon the context in which the phrase is found. The following are just a few of the connotations surrounding this phrase:

  • There is no condemnation to them which are “in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).
  • Spiritual life or living can be only found “in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:2).
  • Folks are saved “in Christ” (Ephesians 2:12-13).
  • We are sanctified in Christ’s body or the church “in Christ Jesus” (1 Corinthians 1:1-2)
  • We become a new creation “in Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
  • We are made the righteousness of God “in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21).
  • All spiritual blessings are found only “in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3).
  • We are one body “in Christ” (Romans 12:5).
  • We are wise “in Christ” (1 Corinthians 4:10).
  • We are begotten through the gospel “in Christ” (1 Corinthians 4:15).
  • We can truly rejoice “in Christ (1 Corinthians 15:31 KJV).
  • God establishes us with other brethren “in Christ” (2 Corinthians 1:21).
  • The Old Testament veil is done away “in Christ” (2 Corinthians 3:14).
  • The simplicity of the gospel is “in Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:3-4).
  • We have liberty “in Christ Jesus” (Gal. 2:4).
  • We are the children of God by faith “in Christ Jesus” (Gal. 3:26).
  • By obeying our Lord in baptism, we are all one “in Christ Jesus” (Gal. 3:28).
  • The faithful are “in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 1:1).
  • God has raised us up and made us sit together in heavenly places “in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:6; cf. Romans 6:4; Titus 3:5-7).
  • We are God’s workmanship created “in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:10).
  • “In Christ Jesus,” the Gentiles were made near by the blood of Christ (Ephesians 2:13).
  • God’s eternal purpose is found “in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Ephesians 3:11).
  • Every saint is “in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:21).
  • Our faith is “in Christ Jesus” (Colossians 1:4).
  • Paul’s desire was to present every man perfect “in Christ Jesus” (Colossians 1:28).
  • The truth is “in Christ” (1 Timothy 2:7).
  • The promise of life is “in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 1:1).
  • God’s purpose and grace was given to us “in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 1:9).
  • Faith and love is “in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 1:13).
  • Grace is “in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:1).
  • Salvation is “in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:10; 2 Timothy 3:15).
  • Our manner of life and living should be “in Christ” (1 Peter 3:16).

Dear reader, after a thorough reading and study of all the above verses, we can plainly see that we need to be “in Christ Jesus” in order to be spiritually blessed and be “reconciled” or to be brought back into a right relationship with our heavenly Father.

According to the inspired Scriptures, there’s only one way to be “in Christ Jesus,” and that way is for us to “put on Christ.” We “put on Christ” when we are baptized “into Christ” (Gal. 3:27). When we are baptized “into Christ,” we are baptized “into His death” (Romans 6:3) where the blood of Christ is effectively appropriated, remitting, forgiving, and washing away our sins (Acts 2:38; Ephesians 1:7); Acts 22:16; Revelation 1:5; cf. 1 John 1:7).

After our baptism “into Christ” (Gal. 3:27), we, along with the Ethiopian eunuch, can go on our way rejoicing (Acts 8:39), having a “good conscience toward God” (1 Peter 3:21) because we have “obeyed from the heart” (Romans 6:17) that doctrine or teaching which God has commanded us to do (Acts 10:48). Remembering that if we truly love the Lord, we’ll keep His commandments (John 14:15; John 15:10).

We might ask, “When is a good time to obey the Lord in baptism?” The inspired Scriptures give us the answer:

“Behold now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2).

Won’t you please willingly accept the terms of salvation offered by our Lord and render obedience to those terms today? You’ll be eternally blessed if you do. May the Lord be with you as you prayerfully consider the Scriptures that have been presented in this study (Acts 17:11).

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