My discussions with others regarding the “in Christ” Reality have raised an interesting point: many assume “Christ” is Jesus’ last name. The Scriptures strongly suggest otherwise. We will take a short segway to address this error and its importance in our knowing Christ and living from our position in Him.

The name “Jesus” has been given to many throughout the ages and to several in the Bible, including the captive robber (Jesus Barrabas) whom the Jews begged Pilate to release instead of Mary and God’s Son. Of course, that is not to say that Jesus’ name was not especially and particularly given.

But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Matthew 1:20-21

Jesus (iēsous) means “Jehovah is salvation.” Our Savior has been given the name “Jesus” for the work He did to save us from our sins.

On the other hand, Christ (christos) means “the Messiah, the Son of God, anointed.” It is the Greek translation of the Hebrew “māšîaḥ”, which primarily means “king of Israel anointed by divine command.”

Now, there are many kings identified in the Bible, and at least several of them were anointed by God (e.g., Saul and David). However, no one in the Old Testament was called Messiah, or referenced as such, apart for the prophesied One – the Who would deliver Israel from all her enemies.

Looking to the New Testament, we find that “Christ” is the title, not the surname, given to Jesus in the New Testament.

…He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Matthew 16:13-16

And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name. John 20:30-31

Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ. Acts 2:36

And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ. Acts 5:42

We can now say with confidence that “Jesus Christ” is best understood as “Savior the King,” or “Lord and Savior”. The latter title combination is actually used more eight times in the New Testament (e.g., Philippians 3:20, 2 Peter 3:2).

So, what does this have to do with our study?

I hesitate to push this further for fear of minimizing “Jesus” as the salvation of Jehovah. But it must mean something that the vast majority (93%) of biblical references to our spiritual position are “in Christ”. Here’s what I think…

As a son of man, He was named “Jesus” – a name specifically given but not unique. As the Son of God, He is given the title “Christ” – the anointed King and Messiah. I believe this is the key to understanding the reality and requirement of our “in Christ” relationship (there may be more to it; please pass on anything the Spirit shares with you):

To recognize and believe in Jesus as our Savior is to know Him and His Reality in part. To abide in Him, and fully enjoy the “in Christ” Reality, one must fully surrender to Him as King.

Moreover, the more we surrender to Christ’s reign, the deeper our abiding becomes. He suggests as much in John 15:10:

If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.

The one who abides in Christ does so in accordance with his obedience to the Lord’s commands. This is no small matter! Being in Christ does not give us license to do as we please, but the position and power to obey the King’s commands. Those who choose the former, choose foolishly. God will not be deceived nor mocked by our behavior.

The Body and Church of Christ

…so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Romans 12:5

…but, speaking the truth in love, may [we] grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ… Ephesians 4:15

For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Ephesians 5:23

Of course it makes sense that the King – Christ – would be the head of His body and His church. The Scriptures are talking about leadership here. The point may be subtle, but also quite significant. The “in Christ” Reality extends beyond the ethereal and spiritual to the very life we enjoy in fellowship with other believers.

The position our Father in heaven has given us in His Son must be lived out amongst the brethren. Indeed, it cannot be done without our abiding in Christ. As we will discover in our study of the “what?”, our appreciation and appropriation of the “in Christ” Reality encourages and empowers the unity Jesus Christ is after:

• Peace with one another (Mark 9:50),
• Love for one another (John 13:35),
• Like-mindedness toward one another (Romans 15:5),
• Etc.

Moreover, and quite sobering, the success of our living as Christ demands in His body and church reflects the depth of our “in Christ” Reality. Because we are imperfect beings, our reality will be somewhat less than that which has been offered.

However, we must not lose hope, for all things are possible in Christ Jesus. We must respond with renewed surrender and commitment to God’s ways for our continued salvation, sanctification, and transformation.

There is much to gain and much to lose in our response to this matter, and God knows our weaknesses. Consequently, He is working in us to will and to do to His good pleasure (Philippians 2:13), and…

His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue  by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust (2Peter 1:3-4).

God bless you with faith to lay hold of His sufficient grace, that you would enjoy the divine nature found only in Christ.

Humbly yours and forever His,

Rob

#iamjustthepen