Day 344

In Christ

Read: Ephesians 1-3

Notice how often the term “in Christ” is used in this passage. It was “in him” (1:4) that God chose us from before creation that we might be “holy and blameless.” Therefore the grace that has been “freely bestowed on us” is “in the Beloved” (v. 6). God’s whole great plan is “set forth in Christ” (v. 9). Our hope (v. 12) and our faith (v. 15) is in him. God showed his great power “in Christ” (v. 20) by raising him from the dead.

While we are yet on earth, there is a sense in which we are in heaven “in Christ Jesus” (2:6). In the ages to come, God will show “the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” (v. 7). We were “created in Christ Jesus for good works” (v. 10). We who are not Jews have been joined together with believing Jews to be brought near to God “in Christ Jesus” (v. 13). God’s eternal plan has been “realized in Christ Jesus” (3:11). The glory of God is thus manifested “in Christ Jesus” (v. 21).

Beside all this, notice how often Christ is mentioned in these chapters. We cannot exalt Christ too much. Someone has said, “Christianity is Christ.” How true. We who believe are now in a new position; we are “in Christ.” He is to be the center of our lives. He is to be the focus of the life of the church. We must not let anything else distract us. What about you? What place does Jesus Christ have in your life?

PRAYER
Father, we praise you that through Christ and him alone we have abundant life. In his name. Amen.