The Stupendous Reality of Being in Christ Jesus: 13 Life-Changing Truths for

The Stupendous Reality of Being in Christ Jesus

Have you ever stopped to truly consider the incredible reality of being “in Christ Jesus”? It is a concept that is both awe-inspiring and life-changing. To be united to Christ, bound to Him, is an experience that surpasses anything we can imagine. In this article, we will explore thirteen stupendous realities of what it means to be in Christ, and how this truth can impact our lives in the year 2023 and beyond.

1. Grace Given Before Creation

Before the world was even created, God bestowed His grace upon us in Christ Jesus. This grace, freely given, was a part of His eternal plan for our salvation. As the apostle Paul writes, “He gave us grace in Christ Jesus before the ages began” (2 Timothy 1:9). This means that before we even existed, God had already chosen to bestow His unmerited favor upon us through Jesus.

Think about that for a moment. Before you were born, before you had a chance to do anything good or bad, God had already extended His grace to you. This grace is the foundation of our relationship with Him, and it is a gift that cannot be earned or deserved. It is freely given, solely because of His great love for us.

2. Chosen by God Before Creation

Not only were we given grace before creation, but we were also chosen by God in Christ Jesus. The apostle Paul writes, “God chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world” (Ephesians 1:4). This means that God, in His infinite wisdom and sovereignty, chose to set His love upon us even before the world existed.

This truth should fill us with awe and wonder. We were not an afterthought or a random occurrence. We were intentionally chosen by God, hand-picked to be His beloved children. This knowledge should bring us great comfort and assurance, knowing that our identity and worth are found in being chosen by the Creator of the universe.

3. Inseparable Love

The love of God for those who are in Christ Jesus is an inseparable love. Paul declares, “I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38–39).

This is a love that knows no bounds, that cannot be broken or diminished by any circumstance or power. It is a love that surpasses all understanding and endures for eternity. No matter what we may face in the year 2023 or in the future, we can have confidence that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. We are secure in His unchanging, steadfast love.

4. Redemption and Forgiveness of Sins

Being in Christ Jesus means that we have been redeemed and forgiven of our sins. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus paid the price for our sins and made a way for us to be reconciled to God. Paul writes, “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace” (Ephesians 1:7).

This is a truth that should fill us with gratitude and awe. We were once lost and condemned, separated from God because of our sins. But through the work of Christ, we have been redeemed, bought back from the bondage of sin, and forgiven of all our trespasses. This is a gift of grace that we can never fully comprehend, but one that we can receive with humble thanksgiving.

5. New Creation

When we are in Christ Jesus, we become a new creation. The apostle Paul writes, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17). This means that our old self, with its sinful nature and desires, is crucified with Christ, and we are given a new nature, empowered by the Holy Spirit.

As we enter the year 2023, this truth is especially relevant. We don't have to be bound by our past mistakes or failures. In Christ, we are made new. We have the opportunity to live a transformed life, guided by the Spirit and empowered to walk in obedience to God's will. We are no longer defined by our past, but by our new identity in Christ.

6. Adoption as Sons and Daughters

In Christ Jesus, we are not only forgiven and redeemed, but we are also adopted as sons and daughters of God. Paul writes, “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’” (Galatians 4:4–6).

This truth should fill us with overwhelming joy and gratitude. We are not just servants or subjects of God; we are His beloved children, heirs of His kingdom. We have been brought into His family, given the privilege of calling Him our Father. As we journey through the year 2023 and beyond, we can rest in the assurance that we are deeply loved and cherished by our Heavenly Father.

7. Sealed with the Holy Spirit

When we are in Christ Jesus, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit. Paul writes, “In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory” (Ephesians 1:13–14).

The sealing of the Holy Spirit is a mark of God's ownership and protection. It is a guarantee of our future inheritance as children of God. As we face the uncertainties and challenges of the year 2023 and beyond, we can take comfort in the fact that we are sealed with the Holy Spirit. We are secure in Christ, and nothing can snatch us out of His hand (John 10:28).

8. United in Christ

Being in Christ Jesus means that we are united with Him and with one another. Paul writes, “For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another” (Romans 12:4–5).

This truth has profound implications for our relationships with other believers. We are not meant to live in isolation or competition with one another. We are part of a larger body, united by our common faith in Christ. As we navigate the year 2023 and beyond, let us remember our unity in Christ and strive to build up and encourage one another in love.

9. Access to God

Being in Christ Jesus gives us direct access to God. Paul writes, “For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father” (Ephesians 2:18). In the Old Testament, access to God was limited to a select few, and even then, it was through the mediation of priests and sacrifices.

But through Christ, we have been given the incredible privilege of approaching God directly, as His beloved children. We can come before His throne with confidence, knowing that we will find grace and mercy in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16). As we journey through the year 2023, let us not take this access for granted, but let us continually draw near to God with reverence and gratitude.

10. Abundant Life

Being in Christ Jesus means that we have been given abundant life. Jesus Himself declared, “I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). This abundant life is not defined by material wealth or worldly success, but by a deep and satisfying relationship with God.

As we enter the year 2023, let us remember that true abundance is found in Christ alone. It is found in knowing Him, loving Him, and walking in obedience to His Word. In Him, we find joy, peace, and fulfillment that surpasses anything the world can offer. Let us seek this abundant life with all our hearts, trusting that God will provide for all our needs according to His riches in glory (Philippians 4:19).

11. Transformation of Mind and Heart

Being in Christ Jesus leads to a transformation of our mind and heart. Paul writes, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” (Romans 12:2).

As we journey through the year 2023 and beyond, let us allow the truth of God's Word to renew our minds and transform our hearts. Let us be intentional in seeking His will and aligning our thoughts and desires with His. This transformation is an ongoing process, but it is one that leads to a life of greater joy, freedom, and purpose.

12. Empowered by the Holy Spirit

Being in Christ Jesus means that we are empowered by the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised His disciples, “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

This same power is available to us as believers. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live out our faith, to boldly proclaim the gospel, and to walk in obedience to God's commands. As we navigate the year 2023 and beyond, let us rely on the power of the Holy Spirit, knowing that apart from Him, we can do nothing (John 15:5).

13. Future Hope

Finally, being in Christ Jesus gives us a future hope. Paul writes, “But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep” (1 Thessalonians 4:13–14).

As believers,