"In Christ" and what it means?

[Dr. Walter]

Friends,

Few deny that "in Christ" refers to union with Christ but there is much debate over what kind of union it refers to and how one enters into that union. I believe there are three distinct and different applications of this "phrase" in Scripture in regard to how entrance into that union occurs:

I. Redemptive Union "in Christ"[SIZE]
Your Personal Salvation​

1. In Christ by elective PURPOSE before the world began - Eph. 1:4
2. In Christ by federal headship/representation - Rom. 5:12-21; I Cor. 15:
3. In Christ by regeneration as a creative act - Eph. 2:10
4. In Christ by faith in justification as a legal position - Rom. 4; Gal. 3:26

II. Representative Union "in Christ"
Your Public Worship/Service​

1. In Christ by Ceremonial symbolism through baptism/Lord's Supper - Rom. 4
2. In Christ metaphorically by church membership - I Cor. 12:27

III. Realistic Union "in Christ"
Your Daily Walk​

1. In Christ by your daily "walk" - Col. 2:6;
2. In Christ by filling of the Spirit - Gal. 5:16,25
3. In Christ by putting on of the new man - Eph. 4:17-24

Spiritual union with Christ in regard to redemption has to do with regeneration not the church or the body of Christ which has to do with being in Christ representatively or metaphorically. I know many will not agree with me but I firmly believe these distinctions will clear up a lot of problems over this issue.

 

[billwald]

Mostly agree!

The Bible teaches that "Faith comes by hearing . . . ." It would have been just as easy to write "Regeneration comes by hearing . . . ." There must be a reason why it was written as it was.

Your first section is God's responsibility and by God's initiative. Sections two and three are our response (i.e. conversion) to our regeneration. We may be slow to respond but that doesn't nullify our regeneration.

 

[Dr. Walter]

Mostly agree!

The Bible teaches that "Faith comes by hearing . . . ." It would have been just as easy to write "Regeneration comes by hearing . . . ." There must be a reason why it was written as it was.

Your first section is God's responsibility and by God's initiative. Sections two and three are our response (i.e. conversion) to our regeneration. We may be slow to respond but that doesn't nullify our regeneration.

It is good to start off this thread with someone who is in basic agreement! I won't comment on regeneration as that has a thread already.