What does it mean to be “In Christ?” How do you know if you are “In Christ?” Pastor Jamie Nunnally answers these questions in this message, which is part 3 of “Identity: Who Do You Think You Are?”
Your identity is who you think you are. Identity theft leads to an identity crisis, and the body of Christ is suffering from an identity crisis because we are letting people other than God tell us who we are. Your identity determines your activity, and your activity determines your destiny.
During this series, we look at 4 different “fingerprints” that determine our identity:
- I am a child of God.
- I am unconditionally loved.
- I am in Christ.
- I have purpose.
Fingerprint #3: You are in Christ.
Colossians 3:3-4 “For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”
Christianity is not a self-help program, but a self-death program. We don’t add Jesus to our life, we get absorbed into His life. We grow spiritually, not by improving ourselves, but removing ourselves.
Galatians 2:20
It is our faith that places us in Christ. When we are hidden in Him, we no longer exist apart from Him.
How can I tell if I am in Christ?
You know you are in Christ if you’re new.
2 Corinthians 5:17
Galatians 6:15
Three things that happen when you are in Christ:
- You are forgiven in Christ.
Ephesians 1:7
If you are in Christ, you’re forgiven, whether you feel like it or not.
Romans 8:1
How often do you think about a bill you’ve already paid? You don’t. That’s how often God thinks about your forgiven sin: He doesn’t. - You are accepted in Christ.
Righteousness is the state of being in acceptable condition to God.
Three types of righteousness (and only one works):
Righteousness of the world – be good
Righteousness of religion – be better
Righteousness of God – be in Christ.
Romans 3:22
Philippians 3:6-9
Receiving the acceptance of God doesn’t mean we stop trying, it just means that we stop trying out. - You are victorious in Christ.
1 Corinthians 15:57“But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Whatever holds your attention has your affection.
Romans 8:37 “No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
Your victory comes from God’s power, not your will-power. Victory is found in surrender, not in striving. - You have eternal life in Christ.
1 John 5:11-12 “And this is what God has testified: He has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have God’s Son does not have life.”
One of the biggest lies that is told is that good people go to Heaven. No, people in Christ go where He is.
Are you in Christ?