In Christ Jesus : Book of Revelation

One of the key doctrines of Christianity is the union of the believer with Christ. In fact, the expression ‘in Christ’ or its equivalent is found over 160 times in Paul’s epistles alone. Since, in God’s sight, we are ‘in Him’, all His attributes and accomplishments are credited to us as well.

For example, Paul said even to the carnal Corinthians that, “by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, ‘Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord.’ ” – 1 Corinthians 1:30-31.

To the Romans he also wrote on redemption, “being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus” – Romans 3:24. Paul went on to write: “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.” – Romans 8:1-2. Being in Christ frees us from judgment, since Christ has already borne our judgment.

To the Galatians, Paul emphasized that, “you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus” and “you are all one in Christ Jesus” – Galatians 3:26, 28.

The Ephesian epistle has many expressions, one of the most comprehensive being Ephesians 1:3: “God…who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.” The phrase, ‘heavenly places’ occurs five times in Paul’s writings, all in Ephesians: “Seated us with Him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the ages to come He might show the surpassing riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” – Ephesians 2:6-7. Paul also wrote, “that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory.” – Ephesians 1:12.

To the Philippians, he promised that, “The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:7 and “not having a righteousness of my own…but that which is through faith in Christ.” – Philippians 3:9.

The Christians at Colosse were assured that, “in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority.” – Colossians 2:10.

Even when we die, we “sleep in Jesus” and, when He comes again, “the dead in Christ will rise first” – 1 Thessalonians 4:14,16. “Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.

Paul wrote to Timothy that God’s “own purpose and grace” had been “given us in Christ Jesus before the world began” – 2 Timothy 1:9. Other beautiful verses include: “and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Timothy 1:14 and “to the promise of life in Christ Jesus” – 2 Timothy 1:1.

These are only a few divine examples of the marvelous blessings shared by all who are ‘in Christ Jesus’. We should always be gratefully acknowledging “every good thing we have in Christ” – Philemon 1:6.