I grew up, came back to the Lord, and cut my spiritual teeth, in a denomination which focused the vast majority of its attention and teaching on one Person of the Godhead. His name is Jesus.

As a young boy, I came to know Jesus as my Savior. Coming back, I submitted to Him as Lord. It is impossible to put into words how grateful I am to the Lord and those He used to disciple me during those formative years. Indeed, the spiritual maturity accomplished in me since is built on that foundation.

But Jesus, as awesome as He is, is only One of Three, and Christians are foundationally Trinitarian. Jesus made that very clear when He walked on this earth.

But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me. John 15:26

Discovery and understanding of my relationship with God the Father and the Holy Spirit have exponentially deepened my spiritual maturity. This is no coincidence and no wonder. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are working together to advance the Kingdom and build the church.

Initially, I was frustrated that so much had been hidden from me. Now, I accept it – and appreciate it – as God’s orchestration. The progression makes sense to me. God has a way for everything, and everyone.

Our concern is that so many have failed to progress. It is common knowledge in Christian circles that many who have begun their journey to salvation, welcome a Savior while balking at the whole Lord thing. Of course, you cannot have one without the other. Overcoming this hurdle is a great step in the right direction, but there is more.

The Holy Spirit is our Helper, Counselor, and Teacher. As A. W. Tozer (1989) contends, “He truly is the Spirit of wisdom, understanding, and counsel… If we knew the full provision and the spiritual anointing that Jesus promised through the Holy Spirit, we would be far less dependent on so many other things.”

The Holy Spirit is also our Transformer (2Corinthians 3:18), our Sanctifier (1Peter 1:1-2), and our ally against the flesh (Galatians 5:17). He has come down from heaven – much like Jesus – to dwell among and within us.

I can say this for myself: I must repent and give the Holy Spirit His due thanksgiving, praise, and worship. He deserves it as much as anyone. And I must get to know Him better.

The same is true of our Father in heaven. Not only is He orchestrating the entire story – including the Son and the Holy Spirit’s involvement – but He is intimately involved Himself.

…for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. Philippians 2:13

Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32

As we will now discover, this working for His good pleasure and our benefit includes positioning us in Christ.

Who put us in Christ?

But of Him [the Father] you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God–and righteousness and sanctification and redemption… 1Corinthians 1:30

Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God… 2Corinthians 1:21

The Scriptures are clear: God the Father has taken responsibility for establishing us in Christ. He chose to do so before establishing the foundations of the world. He did so for several reasons we will get into later. Here is a taste of them:

…just as He [the Father] chose us in Him [Christ] before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love… Ephesians 1:4

…that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He [God] might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth–in Him. Ephesians 1:10

The purposes of the Father – our holiness and unity – compel Him to gather and establish us in Christ. No purpose of His will be withheld from Him (Job 42:2).

In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will. Ephesians 1:11

Lest anyone assume our position in Christ is some ethereal, sweet-by-and-by notion, we close with this amazing pronouncement:

But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus… Ephesians 2:4-6

Notice the verb tenses in this passage and the relationship of “in Christ” with our salvation. Our “in Christ” reality is not only right here and right now, it spans into the heavenly realm!

Let that sink in. Meditate on it for a while. This is the Father’s good work; work for His and our glory.

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21

God the Father bless you with understanding, revelation, and worship for the “in Christ” reality He has purposed for His people.

Have a strong day in the Lord,

Rob

#iamjustthepen

Tozer, A.W. (1989). Jesus is Victor. Wingspread Publishers: Camp Hill, PA.