"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." (Romans 8:1)

One of the key doctrines of Christianity is the union of the believer with Christ. In fact, the expression "in Christ" or its equivalent is found over 160 times in Paul's epistles alone. Since, in God's sight, we are "in Him," all His attributes and accomplishments are credited to us as well.

For example, Paul said even to the carnal Corinthians, that "of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption" (1 Corinthians 1:30). To the Romans (see today's verse) he said that being in Christ frees us from the judgment, since Christ has already borne our judgment.

To the Galatians, Paul emphasized that "ye are all one in Christ Jesus" [Galatians 3:28]. The Ephesian epistle has many such expressions, the most comprehensive being Ephesians 1:3: "|God| . . . hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ." To the Philippians, he promised that "the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7). The Christians at Colosse were assured that "ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power" (Colossians 2:10).

Even when we die, we "sleep in Jesus" and, when He comes again, "the dead in Christ shall rise first" (1 Thessalonians 4:14, 16). Paul even wrote to Timothy that God's "own purpose and grace" had been "given us in Christ Jesus before the world began" (2 Timothy 1:9). These are only a few examples of the marvelous blessings shared by all who are "in Christ Jesus." We should be willing gladly to acknowledge "every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus" (Philemon 6). HMM

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