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Who and What We are in Christ

As you read and study what has been written here, do not just blindly accept it.  Please check the Scriptures and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you His truth.  The Scriptures quoted are from the King James version with the words of Jesus in red.

Our Original Nature

God made and placed man, Adam, on the earth He had just finished creating. Man was created by God in His own image and likeness. We were just like Him and we were to have dominion over the earth as His caretakers.

And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. (Genesis 1:26-28)

Our Sinful Nature

We are all born into sin because of the disobedient acts of Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden. God banished them, and all who have followed after them, from His presence but He sent His Son, Jesus, to be a sacrifice for our sinful nature. When we accept Jesus as our Saviour we then, through His grace, are reconciled to God. Our only "work" is to believe in or on Jesus as Saviour.

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. (Romans 3:23-26)

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit. (Romans 8:1-5)

Our Resurrection from Death

Because of one man, Adam, and the sin he committed in the garden of Eden, we have been condemned to death. The good news is that because of one man, Jesus, and His sacrifice at Calvary we now can have life. By accepting the free gift of salvation He offers us resurrection from our dead state.

But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. (1 Corinthians 15:20-22)

Our Reconciliation

God so loved us that He sent His Son, Jesus, to earth to be the sacrifice to reconcile us to Himself. Jesus became the Sacrificial Lamb without spot or blemish which God required in order for us to be redeemed from our sinful Adamic nature. He, Jesus, bought us with His precious Blood. In other words we have been purchased by Jesus so that we may be part of God's family.

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men. (1 Corinthians 7:23)

Our Justification

Prior to the crucifixion, burial, and ascension of Jesus to be at the right hand of the Father man was under the Levitical Law which was impossible to keep in its entirety. The Law called for the blood sacrifice of a perfect animal, usually a bull, goat or lamb for the forgiveness of sin. This sacrifice had to be offered by the High Priest once each year for the people. Even so they, the people, could not enter into the presence of God ever themselves because they were still under the curse of Adam. It was necessary for God to send His Son to be that perfect blood sacrifice. Some one has said that when we are justified by Christ it is "just as if we had never sinned" which would make us pure and holy.

But he, whom God raised again, saw no corruption. Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins: And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which ye could not be justified by the law of Moses. (Acts 13:37-39)

Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. (Romans 3:20-26)

Once we have accepted the salvation offered by Christ's sacrifice we are then justified and because of His righteousness which we are robed with we may enter boldly into God's throne room. We no longer need the priest to enter into the Holy of Holies to present our requests to God but are able to go directly to our High Priest, Jesus who will intercede with the Father for us.

Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16)


Our Cleansing

We have been cleansed or our sins washed from us by the precious blood of the Lamb of God, Jesus. Not only did that redeem us but it also made us kings and priests unto God. What an awesome honor and privilege we have as we believe on the Lord Jesus for that salvation He has purchased for us.

And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. (Revelation 1:5-6)


Our Being Forgiven

All our former trespasses have been forgiven by God when we accept the sacrifice Jesus became as He hung on that cross for us. Jesus paid the bill in full for us for our previous sins. When we accept this free gift it costs us nothing; we cannot earn it, we are not worthy to receive it, there is nothing we can do to merit it.

Wherefore I say unto you, All manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven unto men: but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven unto men. And whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him, neither in this world, neither in the world to come. (Matthew 12:31-32)

And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:32)

And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; (Colossians 2:13)

Our Adoption

We are adopted by God the Father. We are His children, not servants but sons, who are joint heirs of God with Christ. Our adoption was preordained by God before the foundation of the world according to His good pleasure. We also are redeemed from the law that was impossible for us to obey in its entirety. Only Christ, who knew no sin, was able to fully obey the law. Through His blood we now are forgiven and are made joint heirs with Him.

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (Romans 8:14-17)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 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: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. (Ephesians 1:3-6)

We are no longer servants under the Law but now are a son and heir of God through Christ Jesus.

But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. (Galatians 4:4-7)

Our Shepherd

He is the Shepherd and we are His Sheep. A good shepherd will see to it his sheep have water, feed and are well protected from predators. We can rest easy for He has already laid down His life for us, His sheep and will continue to provide for all our needs because He sits at the right hand of the Father making intercession for us.

I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. (John 10:14-16)

As His sheep we shall not perish but are given eternal life. There also is no power able to remove us from the protective hand of God.

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. I and my Father are one. (John 10:27-30)

As is written in the 23rd Psalm, He, Jesus our Lord, will be our shepherd. He will give us plenty of rest, food and water to meet our needs in the green pastures and still waters that He provides for us. We will be restored, led in paths of righteousness and comforted even in the presence of our enemies. And beyond all that we will live in the House of the Lord forever.
Psalm 23, A Psalm of David.

The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Our New Calling

We are a Chosen Generation, a Royal Priesthood, a Holy Nation, and a Peculiar People. God has called us to be different than the world. We are in the world but not to be of the world. Because of this our thinking, behavior and conversation should have changed after receiving Jesus as our Lord and Saviour.

Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy, (1Peter 1:13-16)

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: (1 Peter 2:9)

Our Sanctification and Sainthood

When we call upon the name of Jesus Christ asking for His gift of life eternal God sanctifies us and calls us to be saints. We become a part, or members, of the Body of Christ joined to all others who have been sanctified and called of God.

Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 1:1-3)

Our New Nature

We are a new creature. God, through our belief on the name of Jesus Christ, has made us a new creation. Our old Adamic nature has been put to death and our new Christ nature is made alive. We are also called into a ministry of reconciliation to bring the world to God.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. (2 Corinthians 5:17-19)

For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. (Galatians 3:26-29)

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: 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: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: (Ephesians 1:3-9)

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. (Ephesians 2:4-7)

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:8-10)

Our Righteousness

We have no righteousness in and of ourselves but because of our faith of Jesus we are robed with His righteousness. This righteousness, His righteousness, comes as a part of the gift of salvation. He has become our righteousness. We are not able to become righteous because we pray but rather we pray because we are righteous. Our works do not purchase us righteousness but because we have His righteousness we willingly do works.

Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. (Romans 3:20-26)

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:10)

Our Importance to the Body of Christ

We, who are born again of the Spirit, are individually and collectively the Body of Christ. This Body of Christ is made up of many members. Each member of this body, us individually and also collectively, has a function to perform that cannot be perfectly performed by any one else. God has given us gifts, or abilities and talents, which we are to use in performing those functions He has assigned to us. If we choose to not do our part that function will be hindered in its ability to accomplish the intended task. God may, and probably will, use someone else to accomplish the task He intended for us to perform. Because we have chosen to neglect our assignment His perfect will becomes His acceptable will. Not only do we need to perform our function but we also have an obligation to do it in cooperation with the other members of the body so that the body performs the work of the Lord. An example of working together is to look at the human hand. It is designed so that the thumb and fingers work together to be able to grasp, pick up and hold objects. If the thumb decides it doesn't want to cooperate the hand is less able to pick up or hold the object and so the hand is prevented from accomplishing its full design function. Likewise, if the toes, foot, ankle, knee and leg don't all work with one another we are not able to stand. And when those on the left side don't cooperate with those on the right side we cannot walk. When this type of cooperation is lacking we become a severely handicapped body. It is then very difficult, if not impossible, to accomplish that which a fully functioning body is able to.

For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. (Romans 12:4-5)

Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body? If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling? But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body. And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you. Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary: And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness. For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked: That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tonguesAre all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? 30Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way. (1 Corinthians 12:1-31)

Our Heritage

We have been given a rich heritage, through Christ Jesus, to be a child of God. As a child of God, when we ask of the Father, according to His will, He will give good gifts to us.

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (Romans 8:14-17)

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. Or what man is there of you, whom if his son ask bread, will he give him a stone? Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? (Matthew 7:7-11)

That blessing of our inheritance is granted to us not only for the life in the hereafter but also while we are still here on earth. Paul wrote about his being content regardless of the state he found himself in and that he could do all things through Christ which strengthened him. We also have Christ to lean on for help when we are in need.

Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Philippians 4:11-13)

Our Living Stone Temple of God

Jesus Christ has made us acceptable to God, a holy priesthood and a spiritual house built of lively stones to offer up spiritual sacrifices.

If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious, Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 2:3-5)

The Holy Ghost resides in us which makes our body the Temple of the Holy Spirit. Christ purchased us with a price, His blood, in order that the Holy Spirit could come in to us to bring His truth to us.

What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

Our Life Everlasting

As we let the Spirit of God direct our ways through our new creation we are sowing to the spirit and will of the spirit reap life everlasting. Likewise if we allow our flesh to direct our activities we will reap the crop of corruption that comes from our Adamic nature. These two, the Spirit of God and our flesh, are at war with each other for control of us. It is up to us to choose which we will allow to have control over our behavior.

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. (Galatians 6:7-8)

Our Unshakeable Position with Christ Jesus

Paul tells us that for our redemption God not only delivered up for a sacrifice His Son Jesus to sit at His right hand making intercession for us but that we can not be separated from His love. There is nothing, not tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril or sword that can cause Jesus to stop loving us. And besides that we are more than conquerors through Jesus who loves us.

What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:31-39)

Our Triumph in Christ as a Sweet Savour unto God

As we walk with Jesus which requires us to remain attached to the vine, we will be triumphant through Christ, in making the knowledge of Him manifest in every place. In doing this we will be a sweet savour which is a sweet aroma unto God.

Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place. For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: To the one we are the savour of death unto death; and to the other the savour of life unto life. And who is sufficient for these things? (2 Corinthians 2:14-16)