John 15:5-7; Ephesians 1

Today’s passage is a very familiar text to believers. It’s one that can be recited unconsciously from rote memory. Therein resides the insidious effect of lifeless familiarity with the power of Scriptural truth as the very words of God.

Jesus Himself is speaking directly to us in this pericope of Scripture. The notion of abiding or dwelling in Him and His word abiding in us is a living reality that’s essential in our Father-son or daughter relationship with the Holy One. “If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit. . . ” John 7-8.

What does it mean to be In Christ or In Him? Paul elaborates on this theme in his letter to the Ephesians, particularly the first chapter. He uses this prepositional phrase eleven times (verses 1, 3, 4, 7, 9-11, 12, 13, 20) in the twenty-three verses comprising the chapter. Obviously there is a salient and powerful truth God wants us to understand here.

Verse seven is foundational to our understanding: “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins,” and verse 11: “In Him also we have obtained an inheritance.” The reciprocity of Jesus living in me and me living in Him does two things: first, I’m forgiven, redeemed, restored; secondly, by His power I’ve obtained and secured His glorious inheritance of the new and eternal life in Christ that begins now and will be consummated at His second coming.

This is not speculative theology, nor the meanderings of whimsical, wishful thinking, but rather the life transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Paul confirms this in verses 13 and 14: “In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance.”

Is this message gaining sharper focus in your mind? The necessity and equally important, the availability of being In Him and He in us is profoundly provocative. When He is living in me – through His Word – the Father gives us the Holy Spirit as a “guarantee” or deposit of our inheritance. Paul shared this same message with the Corinthians: “Now He who establishes us with you In Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.” 2 Corinthians 1:22.

This is why it’s absolutely necessary to be in Him. Additionally, this corroborates why we must be baptized or receive the anointing of the Holy Spirit every day. Jesus has much more in this passage for us to understand and experience. Please join me tomorrow for Breakfast as we continue our journey in Him.

Because of Him
Pastor Gary