The Divine Exchange: Our Life for His

Exploring the Profound Truths of Being "In Christ"

The Apostle Paul teaches the believer is “in Christ.” Being “in Christ” is a wonderful truth that ultimately affects our lives.

Bible Verses and Truths

In Ephesians 1:3-14 we find the following truths taught.

1. Christ blesses us with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places. Ephesians 1:3.

2. He chose us in Christ. (Ephesians 1:4)

3. We are predestined to adoption. Ephesians 1:5

4. We are accepted in the Beloved. Ephesians 1:6

5. We have redemption. Ephesians 1:7

6. We have obtained an inheritance in Him. Ephesians 1:11

In II Corinthians 5:17, we read that we become new creatures in Christ, old things disappear, and everything becomes new.

In Galatians 3:26-29 we find that we are all sons of God, baptized into Christ, heirs of the promise, and belong to Christ.

In Romans 8:1, we find that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ.

Who Puts us in Christ?

According to Ephesians 1:4, God the Father puts us in Christ. Of course, Jesus Christ died to save us unto Himself. In I Corinthians 12:13, we see that the Holy Spirit baptizes us or places us into the body of Christ and seals us into our position.

Spiritual Blessings from Being in Christ

1. God forgives our sins.

2. We are completely justified.

3. All guilt and condemnation have disappeared.

4. God credits the righteousness of Christ to our account.

5. We are in a new spiritual family.

6. We have complete access to God the Father.

7. God is our Abba, Daddy, Father.

8. We died to our old life, and we rose to walk in the newness of life.

9. The Holy Spirit seals us, and we are secure in the love of God.

10. We are protected, empowered, and blessed with a new identity.

Completely New Identity

1. Our past no longer defines us; our failures.

2. We are rooted in the perfection of the Lord Jesus Christ.

3. A new nature has replaced our old sinful nature.

4. We are equipped for victory.

5. We are able to resist temptation.

6. We are empowered to live a holy life.

7. We can love others like Christ loves.

8. We can extend grace and forgiveness.

9. We can see people like God sees them.

10. We have died, been buried, and risen to walk in the newness of life in Christ.

11. We are in the body of Christ.

12. We are connected to other believers.

Think about these things.

1. You have a new identity in Christ.

2. Renew your mind.

3. Pray to see and apply the victory that you have.

4. Be who you are and who you are made to be.

5. Realize the great truths about your new life. Your entire existence has changed.

Quotes to Consider

“In Christ” is the most important phrase of this passage and for the letter as a whole. Some form of it (“in him,” “in the beloved,” or “in the Christ”) punctuates this passage eleven times. The key for understanding this letter is recognizing that believers have a new identity in Christ. A new self-understanding based on a new reality permeates every aspect of life and transforms individuals. Clinton E. Arnold

‌We have a new identity: we are one in Christ. This truth has a profound effect on our lives. How can we, as counselors, help our counselees connect that glorious grace to their everyday lives? Paul Tripp

‌Believers may be unfulfilled because they lack understanding that their identity is now in the person of Christ. They still seek to serve God and meet their own needs out of their own resources. June Hunt

‌Christ is God acting like God in the lowly raiments of human flesh. A. W. Tozer