“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”  Ephesian 2:10 (KJV)

In last weeks’ WordBytes, we examined God’s plan of salvation.  By taking part of weak flesh and blood, Christ was able to satisfy the righteous requirement of God, to destroy the devil, and to deliver us from the penalty of sin.   In exchange, we have moved from being “dead in our trespasses” to our new position of being “in Christ” (Eph. 2:1).   What exactly does it mean to be in Christ?

To be in Christ describes the believer’s identity with Christ and his position before God the Father.

The believer (in position) can now begin the process of being conformed (in practice) to the image of Christ—righteous and holy (Rom. 12:2).  To be in Christ isn’t the result of keeping the Law or by good works—it is a gift of God (Eph. 2:10).

Here are other annotations on being “in Christ” from some of my favorite Bible scholars.

• If anyone is in Christ he is a new creation. (2 Cor. 5:17)

 “We, His making, were constituted, placed in a totally new state and order.   These are the men and women separated from sin to God and living the life of saving reliance in the union with His Son.”  H.C.G. Moule

•  At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. (John 14:20)

“No matter what the geographic location of the saints, their real position in God’s sight is in Christ Jesus.  They have been put in a vital union and communion with Him so that they are identified with Him. Christians have their very life in Christ.”   John Wycliff

• And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (Rom. 8:17)

“‘In Christ’ God’s superabundant blessing is available to His children by faith in Christ so that what Christ has is theirs—including His righteousness, privilege, resources, position and power. “  John MacArthur

• That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. (Eph. 1:12)

“This is the spiritual position of the believer; he is identified with Christ, he is in Christ, therefore is able to draw upon the wealth of Christ for his own daily living. These are believers who were saved because they put their faith in Christ.”   Warren Wiersbe

DNA is the unique string of characteristics that make us who we are—physically and mentally.  In Christ, we have been given a new spiritual DNA that will follow us into eternity.  Christ became like us so that we can become like Him.  Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday has resulted in our being in Christ.  “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus”.  (Rom. 8:1)

Also read:  Identity Crisis, Part 1 and Part 2

SELAH:   Meditate* on Ephesians 2:10 and then ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you what being in Christ means to you personally.

*Thinking of its meaning and application in our lives.