No doubt, one of the most powerful truths in understanding the New Testament is our identity ‘in Christ.’ Paul knows that the relationship of righteousness in Christ is the difference between spiritual life and death for Believers. In his letters, Paul speaks of being “In Him” and “In Christ” more than 150 times.

Therefore, being ‘in Christ’ is to know a powerful spiritual transformation. Jesus said we must be the salt and light by sharing the good news with the nations and by doing so we will bring honor and glory to His Name.

We read as Paul rebukes the Corinthians, “Why are we in danger every hour? I affirm by the pride in you that I have in Christ Jesus our Lord: I die every day! If I fought wild animals in Ephesus with only human hope, what good did that do me? If the dead are not raised, Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die. Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good morals.” Come to your senses and stop sinning, for some people are ignorant about God. I say this to your shame.” 1 Corinthians 15:30-34 HCSB.

(In Acts 19 Luke describes a riot in Ephesus and this is what Paul most likely describes when he says, “If I fought wild animals in Ephesus with on human hope…”)

Paul’s warning to the Corinthians and every Believer in conflict with sin was they did not understand what being ‘in Christ’ is. He knew the importance of Believers knowing what being ‘in Christ’ means would transform their behavior. Paul knew that Believers must not be entangled with sin. God is interested in seeing hearts and lives changed because of being in a relationship with Christ. 

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away, and look, new things have come. Everything is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: That is, in Christ, God was reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed the message of reconciliation to us. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, certain that God is appealing through us. We plead on Christ’s behalf, “Be reconciled to God.” He made the One who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:17-21.

Your sins in life do not change your relationship with Christ. The fact you are righteous is why you can overcome sins, and this relationship provides us the ability not to live in it. What does it mean when Believers do fall into temptation resulting in sin? The Bible informs us that we can stand up and move forward in daily life, knowing that we are to be conformed to His image.

“Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:1-2.

Jesus is Lord.