In Him (Christ) Pt. 2

“In Him (Christ)” Text - 1 Cor. 15-20-23“

For just as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. (1 Cor. 15:22 CSB)”

Earlier today we considered some aspects of being in Christ and we will now consider some other thoughts and implications for that tremendous blessing.

“But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, so by a man has come the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. (1 Cor. 15:20-23)” We noted that Paul probably had in mind the third day of creation in Gen. 1:11-13 for his background to this chapter.

With Christ being our first fruit what are some of the benefits that He has given to us since He has made us alive? Here are a few gleanings from Romans chapter 8:

• We are no longer under any condemnation (v.1).
• We are set free from the law of sin and death (v.2).
• We can fulfill the law as we walk according to the Spirit (we never had the ability to do this before) (v.4).
• We now have life and peace instead of death (v.6).
• Our mind is no longer hostile toward God (v.7).
• We can please God (v.8).
• We belong to Him (v.9).
• We are led by the Spirit (v.14).
• We are sons of God (v.14).
• We have received a spirit of adoption as sons, by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” (v.15).
• The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God (v.16).
• The sufferings of this present time cannot compare to the glory that will be revealed to us (v.18).
• Our bodies will soon be completely redeemed (v.23).
• We have hope (v.24).
• We have a glorious purpose—to become conformed to the image of His Son (v. 29).
• We can have no charges brought against us, because we have already been justified by the ultimate Judge (v.33).
• We cannot be condemned, because Jesus died, was raised, and intercedes for us (v.34).

• We will NEVER be separated from the love of Christ (v.35)! (which includes: tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, pandemic happenings, peril, and others)
• Death will not separate us (v. 38).

Though we will all have strong temptations from within and without, we will have overwhelming grace to douse the fiery darts of Satan because we are in Christ (1 Cor. 10:13).

So then, how shall we live in light of our being in Christ?

Would you make Colossians 2:8-15 your prayer of both thanksgiving and petition today?

Colossians 2:8–15

Prayer:

[8] See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ. [9] For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, [10] and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. [11] In himalso you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, [12] having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with himthrough faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. [13] And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, [14] by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross. [15] He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him. (ESV). In Jesus Name. Amen.