Location, Location, Location: Are You "In" Christ?
by Jody L Apple

    Does it make any difference where you are physically? Of course it does. If you were physically present in some war torn country you would be most concerned about your safety. If you were teetering on the edge of some precarious precipice you probably would have a pounding heart, be shrieking at the top of your lungs, and be scared half to death. It makes a difference where you are physically.

    Does it make any difference where you are spiritually? The answer is the same. Of course it does. The Bible makes reference to being "in Christ" and "in sin." Do you think it makes any difference to God where you are? That should be obvious. Then it should make a difference to you.

    When we examine the scriptures we see they teach the following (all references are from Ephesians):

1. the faithful are in Christ (1:1)
2. all spiritual blessings are in Christ (1:3)
3. being chosen (elect) is in Christ (1:4)
4. we are accepted in Christ (1:6)
5. redemption (blood) is in Christ (1:7)
6. all things are gathered in Christ (1:10)
7. we have an inheritance in Christ (1:11)
8. we have trust/faith in Christ (1:13, 15)
9. we have the seal of the Spirit in Christ (1:13)
10. God's power for us is in Christ (1:19-20)
11. we are united in Christ (2:6)
12. we have God's grace and kindness in Christ (2:7)
13. we have/do good works in Christ (2:10)
14. we have nearness (Jew and Gentile) by the blood in Christ (2:13)
15. we are dead to sin in Christ (2:15)
16. we are a new man in Christ (2:15)
17. we are in Christ's body (2:16)
18. we have access to God by the Spirit through Christ (2:18)
19. we are a spiritual building in/on Christ (2:19-21)
20. we are a dwelling place of God in the Spirit in Christ (2:22)

 Those who are outside of Christ are:

1. dead in trespasses and sins (2:1, 5)
2. walking in sin (2:2)
3. disobedient (2:2)
4. in the lusts of the flesh (2:3)
5. in the flesh (2:11)
6. without Christ (2:12)
7. without hope (2:12)

Where Are You?

    How do we get into Christ? The Bible teaches that baptism takes us "into" Christ. (Romans 6:1-4; Galatians 3:24ff; Colossians 1:13, 2:12ff)