What does "in Christ" mean?

[The Biblicist]

I heard a pastor recently define it this way,

"We are all familiar with being "in the army" or "in the labor union" and "in Christ" simply means we are "in the Christian environment." He was attempting to define "in Christ" in Ephesians 1:3-4 in order to characterize that as its meaning throughout the entire book of Ephesians. He applied it to the Ephesians as a reality but must make it also a choice. They either chose to live "in the Christian environment" or the world environment.

I objected to what I thought to be too broad and general in definition. Instead, I suggested that in redemptive passages it is better understood and defined by comparing with its contrast "in Adam." Being "in the Army" or "in the union" are not persons but organizations. However, being "in Adam" and "in Christ" refer to persons I believe in the sense of the first Adam in comparison with "the Second Adam."

We were "created" in Adam and are in union (physical) with him. Adam acted as our representative in our position and his action was attributed to us. Likewise, we are "created in Christ Jesus" (Eph. 2:10) and by that action we are in union (spiritual) with him. He also acted as our representative in our position and his positive actions were attributed to us (Rom.5:12-19). Therefore, I believe "in Christ" in redemptive passages refers to being "in a redemptive relationship with Christ" as described in contrast to our fallen relationship with Adam. I agreed it is a realty that must be "put on" to experience it in this life.

What think Ye?

 

[percho]

I heard a pastor recently define it this way,

"We are all familiar with being "in the army" or "in the labor union" and "in Christ" simply means we are "in the Christian environment." He was attempting to define "in Christ" in Ephesians 1:3-4 in order to characterize that as its meaning throughout the entire book of Ephesians. He applied it to the Ephesians as a reality but must make it also a choice. They either chose to live "in the Christian environment" or the world environment.

I objected to what I thought to be too broad and general in definition. Instead, I suggested that in redemptive passages it is better understood and defined by comparing with its contrast "in Adam." Being "in the Army" or "in the union" are not persons but organizations. However, being "in Adam" and "in Christ" refer to persons I believe in the sense of the first Adam in comparison with "the Second Adam."

We were "created" in Adam and are in union (physical) with him. Adam acted as our representative in our position and his action was attributed to us. Likewise, we are "created in Christ Jesus" (Eph. 2:10) and by that action we are in union (spiritual) with him. He also acted as our representative in our position and his positive actions were attributed to us (Rom.5:12-19). Therefore, I believe "in Christ" in redemptive passages refers to being "in a redemptive relationship with Christ" as described in contrast to our fallen relationship with Adam. I agreed it is a realty that must be "put on" to experience it in this life.

What think Ye?

I agree with you.

And with that in mind what would be your thoughts be concerning us as, "in Christ," relative to Emanuel with Emanuel being God with us as Man in the concept of 1 Tim 2:5 for one is God, one also is mediator of God and of men, the man Christ Jesus,

I guess I am asking is the Son of God come. "in Adam," man, die and was resurrected forever, Man, ransoming us to be in Him, Christ?

See also 1 Tim 2:3,4 and 6.

Now look back to Eph 1:1-8 then 9,10 Made known to us?

The main point being I agree with you as to, representative.

My question is, how inclusive is, In Christ?

 

[The Biblicist]

I agree with you.

And with that in mind what would be your thoughts be concerning us as, "in Christ," relative to Emanuel with Emanuel being God with us as Man in the concept of 1 Tim 2:5 for one is God, one also is mediator of God and of men, the man Christ Jesus,

I guess I am asking is the Son of God come. "in Adam," man, die and was resurrected forever, Man, ransoming us to be in Him, Christ?

See also 1 Tim 2:3,4 and 6.

Now look back to Eph 1:1-8 then 9,10 Made known to us?

The main point being I agree with you as to, representative.

My question is, how inclusive is, In Christ?

We only partake of his moral aspect of his divine nature (Eph. 4:24; Col. 3:10). We nor any other creature partakes of the attributes of His divine nature that make him to be God.

 

[JonC]

I heard a pastor recently define it this way,

"We are all familiar with being "in the army" or "in the labor union" and "in Christ" simply means we are "in the Christian environment." He was attempting to define "in Christ" in Ephesians 1:3-4 in order to characterize that as its meaning throughout the entire book of Ephesians. He applied it to the Ephesians as a reality but must make it also a choice. They either chose to live "in the Christian environment" or the world environment.

I objected to what I thought to be too broad and general in definition. Instead, I suggested that in redemptive passages it is better understood and defined by comparing with its contrast "in Adam." Being "in the Army" or "in the union" are not persons but organizations. However, being "in Adam" and "in Christ" refer to persons I believe in the sense of the first Adam in comparison with "the Second Adam."

We were "created" in Adam and are in union (physical) with him. Adam acted as our representative in our position and his action was attributed to us. Likewise, we are "created in Christ Jesus" (Eph. 2:10) and by that action we are in union (spiritual) with him. He also acted as our representative in our position and his positive actions were attributed to us (Rom.5:12-19). Therefore, I believe "in Christ" in redemptive passages refers to being "in a redemptive relationship with Christ" as described in contrast to our fallen relationship with Adam. I agreed it is a realty that must be "put on" to experience it in this life.

What think Ye?

I think your response was right on target.

 

[HankD]

Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

[UBS] put on - enduo ,put on, wear


HankD

 

[rlvaughn]

I heard a pastor recently define it this way,

"We are all familiar with being "in the army" or "in the labor union" and "in Christ" simply means we are "in the Christian environment." ...

What think Ye?

I've never heard anyone define "in Christ" that way, and I think your response was correct.

 

[Yeshua1]

We only partake of his moral aspect of his divine nature (Eph. 4:24; Col. 3:10). We nor any other creature partakes of the attributes of His divine nature that make him to be God.

We receive the Holy Spirit within us, as we are now spiritual in Christ and placed in His body!

 

[The Biblicist]

Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

[UBS] put on - enduo ,put on, wear


HankD

Hank do you see a difference between "into" versus "put on"? with regard to baptism and the "in Christ" question? If you do, then how do you define "into" Christ? Personally I believe he is speaking about water baptism and in water baptism we are figuratively put on Christ's death, burial and resurrection outwardly as a symbol of being "created in Christ Jesus" thus Christ is "put on" publiclly through baptism.

 

[The Biblicist]

I've never heard anyone define "in Christ" that way, and I think your response was correct.

I never heard anyone do that either. He came from a split from the Bible Baptist Fellowship group.

 

[HankD]

Hank do you see a difference between "into" versus "put on"? with regard to baptism and the "in Christ" question? If you do, then how do you define "into" Christ? Personally I believe he is speaking about water baptism and in water baptism we are figuratively put on Christ's death, burial and resurrection outwardly as a symbol of being "created in Christ Jesus" thus Christ is "put on" publiclly through baptism.

Both words are used in the same sentence.
There must be a connection.
I don't believe water baptism is the primary sense of this sentence.

When I put on a suit I am in the suit.
I have been baptized into the Body of Christ - I am therefore in Christ.

My view.

HankD

 

[Covenanter]

I heard a pastor recently define it this way,

"We are all familiar with being "in the army" or "in the labor union" and "in Christ" simply means we are "in the Christian environment." He was attempting to define "in Christ" in Ephesians 1:3-4 in order to characterize that as its meaning throughout the entire book of Ephesians. He applied it to the Ephesians as a reality but must make it also a choice. They either chose to live "in the Christian environment" or the world environment.

I objected to what I thought to be too broad and general in definition. Instead, I suggested that in redemptive passages it is better understood and defined by comparing with its contrast "in Adam." Being "in the Army" or "in the union" are not persons but organizations. However, being "in Adam" and "in Christ" refer to persons I believe in the sense of the first Adam in comparison with "the Second Adam."

We were "created" in Adam and are in union (physical) with him. Adam acted as our representative in our position and his action was attributed to us. Likewise, we are "created in Christ Jesus" (Eph. 2:10) and by that action we are in union (spiritual) with him. He also acted as our representative in our position and his positive actions were attributed to us (Rom.5:12-19). Therefore, I believe "in Christ" in redemptive passages refers to being "in a redemptive relationship with Christ" as described in contrast to our fallen relationship with Adam. I agreed it is a realty that must be "put on" to experience it in this life.

What think Ye?

Ephesians 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, 5 having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.
7 In Him we have redemption through His blood......​

I think that Pastor is seriously ignorant of Scripture teaching - may not actually be "in Christ" except by his own definition.

"In Christ" defines our whole spiritual relationship in terms of election; sanctification; adoption; redemption, & much more, as we read on through the letter.

 

[jacob2i]

I agree with you. To be in Christ means to have trusted Christ as savior and therefore have a spiritual union with Him. In Christ certainly has nothing to do with our life environment such as church activities or even if we go to church. I'm saved but currently do not have a church. But I certainly am in Christ!

 

[Yeshua1]

Both words are used in the same sentence.
There must be a connection.
I don't believe water baptism is the primary sense of this sentence.

When I put on a suit I am in the suit.
I have been baptized into the Body of Christ - I am therefore in Christ.

My view.

HankD

Baptized by the Holy Spirit placing us now into union with Jesus, and now part of Body of Christ!

 

[Joseph shall add]

This has been a interesting topic. At the moment of regeneration your spirit which is dead and Christ spirit are grafted together. His spirit actually over lays your spirit. Your dead spirit is restored to life by his spirit. We are sealed by his spirit. The Holy Spirit is the one whom sealed you with the Spirit of Christ. And yes they be different. Your body is the temple of God. Indicating that the High Priest ( Jesus Christ) and the Fathers spirit ( Holy Spirit) are going to be operating in it. Thus in acts we find it written in acts that you have the Son then you have the Father. But we also have been shown a few things in the bible many do not want to address. The Fathers Spirit can come and go. Christ spirit can't leave you, he is grafted unto your spirit.

So to abide in Christ is to put on Christ mind. Thus abiding in love.

 

[John of Wood Green]

Read John Bunyan's "Reprobation Asserted", e.g., http://www.chapellibrary.org/files/7813/7642/2861/bun-reprobate.pdf

 

[The Biblicist]

When I put on a suit I am in the suit.
I have been baptized into the Body of Christ - I am therefore in Christ.

bir

Hank you have reversed the actions in your illustration. You "put on" the suit IN ORDER to be "in" the suit. However, in the text it is the baptism "into" Christ that necessary in order to "put on" Christ. The immediate context refers to the Roman custom of adoption. A man was "heir" by birth but did not receive his inheritance until his 18th birthday. On that day he "put on" a white toga not in order to be the heir but to declare he was the heir. That is what water baptism does, we "put on" Christ in a delcarative manner in baptism that declares we are in Christ by faith in his death, burial and resurrection pictured in baptism.

 

[HankD]

bir

Hank you have reversed the actions in your illustration. You "put on" the suit IN ORDER to be "in" the suit. However, in the text it is the baptism "into" Christ that necessary in order to "put on" Christ. The immediate context refers to the Roman custom of adoption. A man was "heir" by birth but did not receive his inheritance until his 18th birthday. On that day he "put on" a white toga not in order to be the heir but to declare he was the heir. That is what water baptism does, we "put on" Christ in a delcarative manner in baptism that declares we are in Christ by faith in his death, burial and resurrection pictured in baptism.

OK thank you for that brother but I still prefer my own view.

HankD

 

[Mr. Davis]

I agree with you Biblicist. But there is much to being "in Christ."
While we are "positionally" sanctified," there is also our "experiential"
sanctification (or holiness).

The self must be crucified. This is what it means to be "in Christ."
Paul writes, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but
Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by the faith of the
Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside
the grace of God..." (Galatians 2:20-21) "Positional" sanctification.

Christ said, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves
and take up their cross and follow me." (Matthew 16:24) "Experiential"
sanctification.

The "old man" must continuously be weakened (mortification). And the "new man"
strengthened (vivification). This can only happen if we yield to the Holy Spirit.
There will progressively be fewer works of the flesh and more fruit of the
Spirit.

There is a clear battle that Paul faced in Romans 7. Only in Heaven will
we be completely free of it. Right now, we can have victories and defeats.
The longer we are yielded to the Spirit and live by the faith of Christ, the
longer will be the victory. This means we can have almost uninterrupted
communion with God.

Today's Church doesn't teach the costliness of being a disciple of Christ.
Neither the experiential holiness that we're called to.

I've been reading Tozer's Knowledge of the Holy and his The Crucified Life.
He was an Arminian, but believed Calvinists could benefit, too. I agree.

To "be in Christ" is to live His life.

Brother Davis

 

[The Biblicist]

I agree with you Biblicist. But there is much to being "in Christ."
While we are "positionally" sanctified," there is also our "experiential"
sanctification (or holiness).

The self must be crucified. This is what it means to be "in Christ."
Paul writes, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but
Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by the faith of the
Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside
the grace of God..." (Galatians 2:20-21) "Positional" sanctification.

Christ said, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves
and take up their cross and follow me." (Matthew 16:24) "Experiential"
sanctification.

The "old man" must continuously be weakened (mortification). And the "new man"
strengthened (vivification). This can only happen if we yield to the Holy Spirit.
There will progressively be fewer works of the flesh and more fruit of the
Spirit.

There is a clear battle that Paul faced in Romans 7. Only in Heaven will
we be completely free of it. Right now, we can have victories and defeats.
The longer we are yielded to the Spirit and live by the faith of Christ, the
longer will be the victory. This means we can have almost uninterrupted
communion with God.

Today's Church doesn't teach the costliness of being a disciple of Christ.
Neither the experiential holiness that we're called to.

I've been reading Tozer's Knowledge of the Holy and his The Crucified Life.
He was an Arminian, but believed Calvinists could benefit, too. I agree.

To "be in Christ" is to live His life.

Brother Davis

Bro. Davis I am in complete agreement with you. Below is a fuller expression of what I believe "in Christ" entails:

I. Your Salvation Union with Christ (Causal)



A. In Christ by Divine choice – Purposed salvation union – Eph. 1:4 According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: - Before you existed, so based on His choice. Salvation not an accident but by purpose – Rom. 8:28-31.



B. In Christ by Representation – Representative salvation union – 1Co 15:22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. Before you existed. See Rom. 5:12-19.



C. In Christ by Regeneration – Spiritual salvation union – Eph. 2:10 “For we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works….””Christ in you” by the Holy Spirit internal and invisible (Jn. 3:8)



D. In Christ by Justification through faith – Legal or Positional salvation union – Rom. 4:22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.1 ¶ Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: internal and invisible





II. Your Service Union with Christ (consequential)





A. In Christ by baptism – pictorial service union – Gal. 3:27; I Pet. 3:21 - For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. – External and visible



B. In Christ by church membership – Representative service union – I Cor. 12:27 – “ye are the body of Christ and members in particular” (you represent Him by membership in his church body) – External and visible



C. In Christ by Practice – experiential service union - “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:” – Col. 2:6 – External visible – manifest “walk”

 

[The Biblicist]

Read John Bunyan's "Reprobation Asserted", e.g., http://www.chapellibrary.org/files/7813/7642/2861/bun-reprobate.pdf

John I have never been a big fan of the Calvinist doctrine of reprobation in the sense that God chose some to go to hell. I do not believe any such choice was necessary by God. Election is to salvation not to damnation as they are "condemned already". Salvation is a matter of "mercy" which presupposes just condemnation is already a fact. Man's choice damn's him and his continuing resistance determines his eternal condemnation (Acts 7:51).