BEING ONE WITH CHRIST

When we receive Jesus Christ into our lives by faith, we are considered to be united with Him.
This spiritual union is often described as an intimate relationship where we are in Christ and Christ is in us.

« But whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit. »(1 Corinthians 6:17)

The presence of Jesus Christ in us and our presence in Jesus Christ are two complementary aspects of the spiritual relationship we share with Him.
Here are the distinct implications of each aspect, supported by Bible verses:

1. Christ in Us:
The presence of Christ in us involves our inner transformation, changing our nature, making us more conformed to His image.
Transformed, the apostle Paul could say:
« I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. »(Galatians 2:20)
Next, the presence of Christ in us gives us the power to live a holy life: The strength and ability to live according to the teachings of Christ comes from His presence in us.
« That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love. »(Ephesians 3:17)
Finally, the presence of Christ gives us the hope of glory: Christ in us is the guarantee of our eternal hope.
« To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. »(Colossians 1:27)

2. Us in Christ:
Being in Christ implies our security and assurance: Being in Christ means being protected and assured in our salvation.
« Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. »(Romans 8:1)
In Christ, we have a new identity as children of God.
« Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! »(2 Corinthians 5:17)

3. Our fellowship with Christ enables us to produce good works.
The irrefutable proof that we are in Christ and that Christ is also in us is found in the many good works that we do.
« Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. »(John 15:4-5)

4. Our fellowship with Christ brings us into fellowship with His Father.
Being in Christ is also being in God because Christ is in God.
« On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. »(John 14:20)
This implies that we are certainly in total protection because our life is hidden with Christ in God.
« For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. »(Colossians 3:3)
After accepting Christ, our life is no longer anchored only in the material and visible realities of the world, but is rather rooted in God, through Christ.
Hidden in God: This refers to a spiritual life protected, preserved and secured in relationship with God. This « hiding » speaks of the security and peace found in being united with God through Jesus Christ.
With Christ: By accepting Christ as Savior, the believer participates in the new life that Christ offers. This new life transcends the visible and earthly things to be oriented towards heavenly realities.
Our true identity and spiritual life are not exposed to the influences of the world, but are kept in God, in an intimate and eternal relationship with Christ.

5. Our fellowship with Christ brings us into fellowship with other Christians:
Our union with Christ brings us into unity with other believers united with Him. They automatically become our brothers and sisters.
« All of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. »(John 17:21-23)

PRAYER:
Lord our God, grant us to know and to be able to enter into deep fellowship with you.
It is in the precious name of your son Jesus Christ that we pray, Amen.

Apostle Jean-Claude SINDAYIGAYA