Apr 24
4
In Christ
Why does Paul say that he wanted to found in Christ? It is because Christ is everything God the Father requires, everything God freely gives his people, is IN CHRIST.
Colossians 1: 19: For it pleased the Father that IN HIM should all fulness dwell
Ephesians 1: 3: [God the Father] “blessed his people with all spiritual blessings IN CHRIST, according as he chose us IN HIM”
2 Corinthians 5:21: He hath made him sin who knew no sin that we might be made the righteousness of God IN HIM
1 John 3: 15…he was manifested to take away our sins; and IN HIM is no sin
1 Corinthians 1: 2…the church of God is sanctified IN CHRIST JESUS…
Galatians 3:26…[we are] children of God by faith IN CHRIST JESUS
Romans 8: 1: There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are IN CHRIST JESUS..
Ephesians 2: 6: he raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places IN CHRIST JESUS
Philippians 2: 1 our consolation and comfort of love is IN CHRIST
Philippians 3:3 we are the circumcision which worship God in the spirit, rejoice IN CHRIST JESUS, and have no confidence in the flesh…14…the prize of the high calling of God is IN CHRIST JESUS
Ephesians 1: 10 in the fulness of time God shall gather together in one all things IN CHRIST…
This is why Paul said that he wanted to “be found IN HIM, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith.”
We Walk by Faith, Not by Sight
Contrary to all outward evidence, the thief on the cross believed that the Man dying beside him was his only hope for salvation. There was nothing in his physical sight to convince him that Jesus was Lord, or that He would be reigning over an eternal kingdom. Yet he prayed; “Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom”. So, what did he have to cause such hope? The same thing you and I have. He had the word of God and he had the Spirit of God. That is all he had, and all he needed. That is all we have, and all we need. If we look for anything else, (feelings, experiences, change in life, etc.) we will be walking by sight rather than by faith. Saving faith comes by hearing, not by seeing. When the Spirit of God takes the Word of God and gives faith to the children of God in the Son of God… they hear those blessed words of hope; “thou shalt be with me in Paradise”.
Greg Elmquist