By: Lauren Thomas
Would you believe that one of the most Christ-focused books of the Bible is a tiny, 4-chapter epistle penned by Paul? Considering the length of the book, the content, and the frequent references to Christ, Colossians is one of the most Christ-focused books of the Bible.
If you sat down and read through Colossians, you might notice a phrase occurring on repeat: “in Christ.” Paul uses this phrase in his other books, but the sheer volume of this repetitive phrase in Colossians should make us take special notice.
Paul also uses variations of this phrase. In addition to “in Christ,” he uses the phrases “in him,” “in whom,” “Christ in [us]” and “with Christ. While these phrases all point to the same reality, they all have slightly different meanings.
In Christ (in Him/whom). This phrase is Paul’s code for “living a new life,” the kind that can only come through Jesus’s work of redemption. It also has to do with how we receive this new life.
13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Colossians 1:13-14
Christ in You. This variation speaks to the wonder that not only are we hidden in Christ, but He abides in us!
27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
Colossians 1:27 ESV
With Christ. We identify personally with Christ. We crucify our sinful flesh, because Jesus’ sinless flesh was crucified. And we are raised with him by faith, because he was raised in power! He has brought us from spiritual death back to life!
12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead. 13 And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses,
Colossians 2:12-13 ESV
These phrases in Colossians essentially mean that those of us who are “in Christ” enjoy a mutual indwelling, an intimate connection, and a personal identification with Jesus. This is a beautiful mystery. And it’s one that touches every aspect of our lived experience. At least it should…In Colossians, Paul also warned against not holding to Christ (2:19) and ceasing to walk in Christ (2:6).
Jesus has offered us this union, this profound connection. Don’t ignore it. Don’t forfeit it. Let us not lose sight of the privilege of being “in Christ.” Let us not fail to live the life that Jesus has secured for us.
May our lives be as Christ-focused as this little letter to the Colossians.
Refection:
Read through Colossians and note every variation of “in Christ.”
Compare this “in Christ” theme with John 15:4-7. What does it mean to abide in Christ?
How can you walk “in Christ” today?
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