An Invitation to be In Christ

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A child wrapped up and warmly embraced. The invitation is to be tightly in union with Christ. 



Scripture:

Rom. 8:1   There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Observation:

Paul’s comment here must be connected to previous statements made in chapter five. It is because of the sin of Adam that all are condemned, but it is because of Christ that we are now all set free. However, it’s also inclusion language. Previously humanity was found “in” Adam, but now It is because of union with Christ that we are delivered from the condemnation of sin. We are invited to move from being “in” Adam to being “in” Christ.

Application:

This is an incredible invitation for all of humanity. I’m not sure that we can ever truly grasp the hopefulness that is found in these beautiful words. It’s far too easy to live a life in which we feel weighed down by guilt and shame. In a world that has trouble defining sin, it seems that shame has actually become the greater weight. Anxiety and fear can become all consuming with freedom seemingly beyond our grasp. 

It’s in those moments that we are confronted with the possibility of a life united to Christ. Here we have the invitation to fellowship with the Triune God, and in doing so, to cast all of our cares and burdens upon him. 

It’s another cold morning in Kansas City and I’m wrapped in a blanket in front of the fireplace, sipping a cup of tea. Somehow I like to imagine being in Christ like being wrapped in the warm and loving embrace of the Triune God. That warm embrace becomes a shield against the condemnation that comes from the enemy who would like us to believe that we are still “in” Adam. 

Jesus sets us free, not just once, but for all time. He invites us to be united with him, living and being discipled, day after day in his warm embrace. 

Prayer:

Lord, today, I rest in you. Amen. 

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