Undoubtedly as you’ve gone throughout your everyday life you’ve said or have heard someone say on at least one occasion, “He is my brother in Christ” or, “She is my sister in Christ.” We realize that the phrase “in Christ” is what makes this bond different and distinct over that of a familial relationship. Though we aren’t physically blood-related, the blood of the Lamb unites us together spiritually. 

This month we will be hearing lessons from the pulpit centered around the theme: “Increasing Our Awareness in Christ.” However, before listening to these sermons, let us remind ourselves of the following: (1) the preparation for becoming a Christian, (2) how one gets into Christ, (3) and the costs that come with living a life in Christ.

It may be the case that when the subject of getting into Christ is brought up, a person’s mind may immediately jump to baptism. This isn’t wrong; however this should not be the only thing we think about as it relates to this eternally important matter. 

In the book of Acts, we have a host of examples of conversions, all of which included the hearers being baptized, but also repenting of their previous deeds. Therefore, before a person is immersed in water for the remission of his sins (Acts 22:16; Rev. 1:5), he must change his ways based on the gospel message presented to him. Not only that, but he must also realize that he’s about to enter into a lifelong commitment of living for the One who died for him (2 Cor. 5:14, 15 c.f. Luke 9:23-26). The Scriptures teach the relationship of Christ and the Church as being compared to that of a bridegroom and his bride. Therefore, we ought not take lightly the decision to become spiritually married to Christ (Ref. 1 Cor. 6:15-17). I was blessed with opportunities to attend two weddings earlier this year, both of which touched my heart after I witnessed these individuals being joined together in holy matrimony. During one of the ceremonies I thought to myself that the beginning of a covenant relationship between Christ and a Christian ought to be as solemn as such an occasion as this. 

When doing a word search for the phrase “in Christ” you’ll find out that it’s mentioned over 80 times in the Scriptures! Howbeit, there’s only 3 Scriptures that teach how one gets into Christ, all of which inform us that baptism is necessary in order to do so. Two of them say “baptized into Christ” (Rm. 6:3; Gal 3:27), and the other one says “baptized into one body” (1 Cor. 12:13). Therefore, when one is plunged beneath the cleansing flood, he becomes a child of God, a joint heir with Christ (Rom. 8:16, 17), is added to the church (Acts 2:41, 47), and is forgiven of his sins (Col. 1:14). The benefits of being in Christ Jesus ought to cause great thanksgiving in our hearts to God! It’s truly amazing to know we have, “every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Eph. 1:3).

The aged Paul, when writing to his son in the faith, said, “But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra–what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Tim. 3:10-12). Here our beloved brother Paul references back to accounts which are recorded for us in Acts 13 & 14. The persecutions and afflictions which Saul of Tarsus encountered and endured didn’t happen years down the line after becoming a Christian; Rather they began right after his conversion (Acts 9:20-30). The Lord Jesus in the “Sermon on the Mount” discourse uttered these soul piercing, never to be forgotten words: “‘Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.’” (Matt. 5:10-12). 

In closing, we’ve been reminded of the following: (1) the preparation for becoming a Christian, (2) how one gets into Christ, (3) and the costs that come with living a life in Christ. With these things in mind, let us take heart to stand up, stand for, and never stand down from the truth of the Gospel. I encourage you, dear brother or sister, to remember these words: “Beyond this land of toiling, sowing and reaping, Far beyond the shadows darkening this, And far beyond the sighing, moaning and weeping, Lies the summer-land of bliss” (Slade “Beyond This Land of Parting”). May we ever lean upon our God for strength, and go to Him in prayer for help. The grace of our Lord be with you.