IN HIM

There is therefore now no
condemnation to them which are in
Christ Jesus, who walk not after
the flesh, but after the Spirit.

For the law of the Spirit of life
in Christ Jesus hath made me free
from the law of sin and death.
Romans 8:1,2

This week, I was watching a travel program that took the guide to a small town in Switzerland. It's a neutral country in the world and one doesn't think those folks would have a care. However, to the guide's surprise, a local man who was showing him around, revealed that most houses in one small town had bomb shelters in their homes. The guide was shocked that a seemingly secure people would feel they required such.

We all want to feel physically and even emotionally safe. There are steps we can take to insure some of that, but not completely. The place we believers have come to know for ultimate security is being IN CHRIST. Those two words are found 70 times in the New Testament. Paul uses those words most in his epistles. They are words no one should take lightly as they indicate things so vital and comforting to ever be comprehended.

The most letters I wrote in my life was while attending a Christian college. I had seen letters my friends wrote home or to friends and saw they always closed their letters with: “In Christ, Sue.” “In Christ” was a very popular ending to many letters written by believing friends. For me, I consider now it was being pretty glib, with little thought. However it is said or written, “in Christ” is nothing to be casual about.

Jesus is many things to the believer. Our Savior is the major thing that can head our list, but He is so much more. He is our provider, protector, comfort, and yes, our spiritual bomb shelter. He through His Spirit can fend off Satan's assaults, but that's not always something on our prayer list. Paul tells us in Romans 8 of just some of the promises from God that are ours when we are “in Christ Jesus.” As believers we aren't condemned and we are free from the law of sin and death.

For it all to come together, however, there is an indication mentioned that shows evidence of how we are expected to function “in Him. The fact is that in this relationship, we will not walk in the ways of the world, but in the ways of the Spirit of God. That really is asking so little. Our salvation doesn't rest on our doing anything but accepting Jesus as Savior. The evidence, however of that relationship will be our spiritual walk.

What a blessing to be in Christ. He extends, in over abundance, His love and so much more including the assurance of eternal life with and IN HIM.

Father God, thank You for sending Jesus to die for the sins of mankind. Not a one of us deserved that act of love. Help us to be faithful in our walk and so live as to give You all the glory. Help us to rely on You for strength and guidance as we strive to walk in You. In Jesus precious name...Amen