Two Choices, Yours or Jesus

I want to point out something that I believe is very important. There are two words that appear over 200 times in the New Testament. Apostle Paul used the two words more than 160 times representing a deep spiritual union.

The two words are found around 40 times in the Book of Ephesians. Paul uses these words to describe what he believed was an important theme in his writings. Paul not only felt being near to Christ, but being united with Him, like a branch in a vine or a limb in a body.

You can find related Bible verses in Colossians 2:6-7, Galatians 3:28, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Romans 8:1, and John 15:5.

Also, Paul uses the two words to describe a believer’s union with Jesus representing identity, salvation, and a new life. The exact numbers vary by Bible version such as KJV, NIV, etc.

The two words are “in Christ,” “in Him,” and “in the Lord,” or similar verses with the word, “in.”

In reality, being “in Christ” is the fundamental description of a follower of Jesus and a participant of Christ divine life.

To be “in Christ” means we have accepted His sacrifice as payment for our own sins. No amount of self-cleansing can make us pure enough to be forgiven and have a relationship with a Holy God (Romans 3:10-12).

A Divine Exchange takes place at the foot of the cross: our old sin nature for His perfect one (2 Corinthians 5:17).

To enter the presence of a holy God, we must be hidden in the righteousness of Christ. To be “in Christ” means that God no longer sees our imperfections; He sees the righteousness of His own Son

My question is, are you “in Christ,” fully, maybe part way, or nor at all? We need to be careful how we respond to Jesus for He warns about being like lukewarm water as He will spue you out of His mouth, Revelation 3:15-16

In essence, being “in Christ” is the fundamental description of a follower of Jesus, representing identity, new life, and participation in His divine life.

There are dire warnings about our how God will deal with our relationship with Jesus. Yes,  God and Jesus are all about love. They want everybody to follow their instructions by their own free will, their choice, and receive their love. The book of instructions (the Bible) is for your help in making the right choice. It is not for God to make the right choice, (He already did) it is yours.

Jesus loves you and He showed His love on the cross.