IN CHRIST: A TAPESTRY OF TRANSFORMATIVE TRUTHS
The Eternal Reality of Being “In Christ”
What does it truly mean to be “in Christ”? This phrase, woven throughout Scripture, is more than a theological term. It’s a dynamic reality that transforms every aspect of our existence—our past, present, and future. It defines our identity, secures our destiny, and empowers our purpose.
Imagine standing before a masterpiece tapestry. Each thread represents a truth about what it means to be in Christ. Separately, they are striking, but together they reveal the breathtaking design of God’s plan for His people.
In this journey, we’ll explore the richness of this reality. Each truth is a thread, and together, they form the tapestry of what it means to live, move, and have our being in Christ.
1. A New Creation: The Old Has Gone, the New Has Come
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17)
The first thread in this tapestry is transformation. In Christ, you are not simply improved or refurbished—you are a new creation. The old life, defined by sin, shame, and separation from God, is gone. A new life has begun, marked by righteousness, reconciliation, and intimacy with God.
This truth speaks to identity. You are no longer defined by your past mistakes, failures, or wounds. The moment you placed your faith in Christ, you stepped into a completely new identity. This identity is rooted in Him, unshaken by circumstances, and sealed by His Spirit.
Think of a butterfly emerging from a cocoon. The caterpillar it once was is gone, and its new identity is unmistakable. This is the transformative power of being in Christ—your old self has passed away, and the life you now live is infused with divine purpose and grace.
2. United with Christ: Immersed in His Death and Resurrection
“We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” (Romans 6:4)
The next thread in our tapestry is union. To be in Christ is to be united with Him in His death, burial, and resurrection. When Jesus died, He bore the weight of your sin. When He rose, He brought you into new life with Him.
This is not merely symbolic—it’s a spiritual reality. Baptism illustrates this truth beautifully. Going under the water symbolizes dying with Christ, and emerging signifies being raised to life in Him.
Because you are in Christ, His story becomes your story. His victory over sin is your victory. His righteousness is your righteousness. This union with Him is the foundation of your spiritual life.
3. Seated in the Heavenly Realms: The Positional Truth
“And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:6)
In Christ, you are not just saved; you are elevated. Spiritually, you are seated with Him in the heavenly realms. This is not a future promise—it’s a present reality.
Being seated with Christ speaks of position, authority, and fellowship. Your place in the heavenly realms signifies victory over sin and death. It declares that you are no longer bound by the limitations of this world but live with an eternal perspective.
This positional truth shapes how you face challenges. When difficulties arise, remember that your position in Christ is unshakable. You are seated with Him, above every trial and opposition, sharing in His triumph.
4. Unbreakable Security: Nothing Can Separate Us
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons… will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)
One of the most reassuring threads in this tapestry is security. To be in Christ is to be held in the unshakable love of God.
Paul’s declaration in Romans 8 reminds us that nothing—no circumstance, no failure, no external force—can separate us from God’s love. This love is not conditional on our performance but rooted in the finished work of Christ.
Imagine standing in the middle of a hurricane, surrounded by chaos, yet untouched because you are in a shelter. Being in Christ is your shelter—safe, secure, and immovable.
5. God’s Masterpiece: Created for Purpose
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10)
Another thread in this tapestry is purpose. In Christ, you are God’s masterpiece—His work of art. Your life is not random or accidental; it has been designed with intention and care.
God created you for good works, prepared in advance for you to walk in. These works are not a means to earn salvation but a response to it. They are opportunities to reflect His glory and extend His love to others.
Imagine an artist stepping back from their finished painting, delighted in every stroke and color. That’s how God views you in Christ. You are His masterpiece, designed to reveal His grace to the world.
6. Hidden in Christ: A Life Set Apart
“For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:3)
Being in Christ means living a life that is set apart. Your old life has died, and your new life is hidden with Him. This speaks of protection, intimacy, and transformation.
To be hidden in Christ is to be secure in His presence. It’s living with the awareness that your true identity and purpose are found in Him, not in the fleeting pursuits of this world.
This hidden life calls us to live differently—not isolated, but illuminated. As we live in the world, we shine as reflections of His character and truth.
7. Ambassadors for Christ: A New Mission
“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us.” (2 Corinthians 5:20)
In Christ, you are not only transformed; you are commissioned. As an ambassador, you represent His kingdom to the world. Your life is a testimony of reconciliation, inviting others to experience the same transformation.
This mission is not reserved for a select few—it’s the calling of everyone in Christ. Whether in your workplace, community, or family, you carry the message of His love and grace.
Imagine carrying a torch in a dark world, lighting the path for others to find their way. That is your role as an ambassador in Christ.
8. United with the Triune God: A Relationship of Intimacy
“I in them and You in Me—so that they may be brought to complete unity.” (John 17:23)
The final thread in this tapestry is unity. Being in Christ establishes an unbreakable relationship with the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. You are not only connected to God but united with Him.
This unity is the source of your strength, peace, and purpose. It’s an intimate relationship where you experience His presence, hear His voice, and walk in His ways.
Living in the Reality of Being in Christ
To be in Christ is to live a life transformed by His grace, defined by His love, and empowered by His Spirit. It is a new identity, a secure position, and a divine mission.
Let this truth shape every part of your life. Embrace your identity as a new creation. Rest in the security of His love. Walk in the purpose He has prepared for you. And shine as His ambassador, drawing others into the beauty of this eternal tapestry.
In Christ, you are more than you could ever imagine—secure, empowered, and deeply loved. Step into this reality today and live in the fullness of His transformative truth.