Position in Christ

<<our relationship to God>>

Our Christian life begins with the discovery of what God has provided. From this point onward our Christian experience proceeds as it began, not on the basis of our own futile efforts but always on that of the finished work of Christ who is seated at the right hand of the Father (Isa 64:6; Zech 4:6; Jn 19:28,30; Heb 1:3, 8:1, 10:12). The moment we accepted Christ we crossed over from being in the Kingdom of Satan to the Kingdom of God (Jn 5:24; Rom 6:23; 1 Jn 3:14). This monumental transfer is not fully appreciated – legally we are no longer Satan’s, we belong to Christ because “We have been bought with a price”, redeemed by His blood (1 Cor 6:20; 1 Pet 1:18,19). Every person is in servitude to the master whose commands they choose to obey – whether to Satan’s sin or God’s righteousness (Rom 6:16-18). In gratitude and humility we should take all our orders from our new commander-in-chief, Jesus Christ, who died for us to gain that right. Our position in Christ means freedom from Satan’s condemnation as we walk in righteousness. The power of the life-giving Spirit in me has freed me from the vicious clutch of my ‘before Christ’ existence (Rom 8:1,2).

salvation” (Jn 1:12; Eph 1:3-14; Heb 1:14). It is not what we DO but what has been DONE for us. We don't have to strive, rather accept the fact. We have been "accepted in the beloved" (Christ) by the grace and love of God, to become citizens in the Kingdom of God (Phil 3:20). Whatever our behaviour or service it does not alter our standing in Him, as nothing ‘of the flesh’ is acceptable (1 Cor 1:29; Eph 2:8,9; Tit 3:5).  Together with Christ, we are heirs of God, protected by His love, being recipients of His grace, enriched in every way because we are ‘partakers of the divine nature’ (Rom 8:17,39; 1 Cor 1:4,5; 2 Pet 1:4). Our position in Christ is a place of security and spiritual freedom (2 Cor 1:21; Gal 5:1). Salvation from eternity in hell is just the beginning of the abundant life He has available for us to enter into (Jn 10:10).

Another image used to describe the church is ‘the body of Christ’. Individuals who give their allegiance to Him become a part of that body. Just as the natural body is comprised of many different parts functioning together, so it is in His body. For both to function properly each part must fulfill their designated task in the position or calling for which they have been allotted (1 Cor 12:12-26). Do to the best of your ability the responsibilities given you.

to destroy the devil’s works (Mk 16:15-18; 2 Cor 5:20; 1 Jn 3:8). Satan is jealous of our standing in Christ – he forfeited his position by rebellion and seeks recruits to assist him. As Christians we should be directing our resources and efforts into the spiritual realm rather than physical which the natural mind and human systems seek to control or influence (2 Cor 10:5; Eph 6:10).

By choosing to place ourselves under God’s protection we will be blessed and sheltered from many of the attacks that come upon others (often because of their ungodly lifestyles) and certainly suffering eternal damnation because of their failure to turn to Christ for salvation (Ps 91:1-16). Nothing happens outside His loving will for me, my life is in His hands (Rom 8:28,38,39). Increasingly grow in your understanding and utilisation of your standing in Christ, enjoying your salvation so that non-believers are envious and will want to know Him too.

See yourself from God’s perspective; as a new creation in Christ, the old has gone the new has come (2 Cor 5:17). Although we are in the world, we are not to be dictated to by its deteriorating values (Jn 15:19, 17:14-16; Eph 4:22-24). It is our choice and responsibility to walk in that position, reckoning the old carnal life as dead, dealing with temptation and the lies of Satan that minimise the impact of salvation (Rom 6:4,11, 8:9,10, 12:1,2; Col 2:11,12). Although we will still sin, and need to repent of it, our focus should be on Him, the sinless Christ in us not the sin. Positionally we are righteous but practically (in experience) we are still sinful.

God declares in the day of judgement "you will see the distinction between those who serve God and those who do not" (Mal 3:18). Because of our "being in Christ" we will experience the splendor of heaven for eternity while those who are not believers will suffer forever (Rom 6:23, 8:1; Gal 3:26; Eph 1:7; Col 3:3,4; 2 Thes 1:8,9).

available by our Saviour and Lord. The all-encompassing "Christ in you...you are complete in Him...who graciously gives us all things" is not dependent on human merit or status (Rom 8:32; Eph 3:19; Col 1:27, 2:10). These verses emphatically state you have everything when you have Christ. The reality is entered into only by believing the facts as written in the Word of God. Every new spiritual experience begins with an acceptance by faith of what God has done for us and claiming it as ours (Mt 9:29). It is not so much a matter of asking but rather seeing and receiving – with thanksgiving (2 Kgs 6:17; Ps 119:18). Do not let the devil cheat you out of what is rightfully yours because you are a redeemed child of the all-powerful benevolent loving Heavenly Father. Every believer should walk in the spiritual authority and power given to them and their life demonstrate it.

See also: authority, divine exchange, freedom, justification, position, power, resources, responsible/responsibility, spiritual warfare, victory.