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When we are baptized into
Christ we form a divine connection. In fact, the only way that divine
connection can be made is by being born into a right relationship with God
through Jesus Christ (Jn. 3:3-5). “I am the way, the truth, and the
life" said Jesus (Jn. 14:6), “no man cometh to the Father but by
me.” Without Him we flounder on a sea of uncertainty, without any hope.
What a sad thing to think about all the people who are in exactly that
condition—lost and without hope. It certainly adds a kind of urgency to
the need for us to speak to people about this divine connection.
In Christ are all the blessings of the godhead. He is the practical manifestation of the God. Paul said, “For by one Spirit were we all baptized into one body…” (1 Cor. 12:13). To be in Christ is to have a relationship with Him and to be in Christ is to have a relationship with the Father. In Christ we have: Redemption—Eph 1:7—“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.” Notice that it is in Christ, or in connection with Him that we have redemption. Without that connection there is no redemption; no redemption, no forgiveness; no forgiveness, no salvation. Forgiveness—Col 1:14—“In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:” It is in Christ that we connect His blood. Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness; no forgiveness, no relationship with God; no relationship with God, no heaven. Every spiritual blessing—Eph. 1:3—“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.” Spiritual blessings are for spiritual people. To be a spiritual person one must be forgiven. Without that spiritual blessing of forgiveness, there is no hope; without hope, we are of all men most miserable. New life—2 Co 5:17—“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” To be in Christ is to be a new creature, to have the old man of sin crucified, to be forgiven. Without being a new man there is to be no new life; without a new life, there is no eternal life. The approval of God—Eph. 1:13—“In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise.” To be in Christ is to receive His stamp of approval. Only when we have a relationship with Christ can we know for a certainty of our salvation, rest assured in our hope. Salvation—2 Tim. 2:10—“Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.” Salvation is in Christ and it comes no other way. One is not saved because he is in the church; he is in the church because he is saved. The church is not the savior; it is the saved. Christ is the Savior. There is no other name under heaven whereby we must be saved. “Only in thee, dear Savior mine…” Eternal life—1 Jn. 5:11—“And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” The only life here that makes any sense at all is the life that is in Christ. It is the only life that has any promise of eternity attached to it. All other life is earth-connected and will come to an end. But the life that is in Christ is only beginning here. It will last for an eternity. The conclusion is simple. Do you know whether or not you are in Christ? If not, please let us help you with your obedience to Him so that you can form that divine connection for yourself. Copyright (C) 2002-2006 Southside Church of Christ | |||
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Send
Comments or Questions to: Dee Bowman 2229 W. Clare Deer Park, TX 77536 | |||
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