In Christ

In Christ | Devotional

Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Romans 6:4

In Christ” is one of Paul’s favorite phrases (cf. Rom. 8:1; 12:5; 16:7; 1 Cor. 1:2; Col. 1:28).

Because we are “in Christ Jesus” He has become to us “wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption” (1 Cor. 1:30).

Our life is hidden with Christ in God (Col. 3:3).

We are buried with Him by baptism into death (Rom. 6:4; Col. 2:12).

We are one body in Him (Rom. 12:5). Christ is our life (Col. 3:4).

Christ is in us, the hope of glory (Col. 1:27).

Those verses describe the absolute identification with Christ that is the essential characteristic of the elect. We are indivisibly linked in a spiritual sphere of new life.

To be “in Christ” is not only to believe some truths about Him, but rather to be united to Him inseparably as the source of our eternal life, as both the “author and perfecter of faith” (Heb. 12:2 NASB, emphasis added).

We are united with Christ specifically in His death and resurrection (Rom. 6:3–10). This truth is far too wonderful for us to comprehend fully, but the main idea Paul wants to convey here is that we died with Christ so that we might have life through Him and live like Him.

The whole purpose of our union in Christ’s death and resurrection with Christ is so that “we also should walk in newness of life” (v. 4). How could we continue in the realm of sin?

The certain consequence of our union in Christ’s death to sin and His resurrection to life is that we will share in His holy walk.