Encouragement For Those In Christ

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come! (2 Corinthians 5:17 CSB)

What an incredible promise! We don’t have to remain the messy, lost-in-sin people we once were. To borrow a line from an amazing (get it??) hymn, “I once was lost, but now I’m found.” But this transformation isn’t because we simply decided to do better one day—it’s because Christ made us new. When we give our lives to Him, we are in Him. But what does that really mean?

What Does It Mean to Be "In Christ"?

The phrase “in Christ” is used over 150 times in Paul’s writings alone. Clearly, it’s significant! But let’s look at one passage that helps clarify it:

“I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20 CSB)

This is redemption. This is salvation from sin. Christ lives in us, and we live by faith in Him because of His love and sacrifice.

Being “in Christ” means that we’ve fully surrendered our lives to Him. We believe He is the Son of God, that He lived a perfect life, died a sinner’s death, and rose again in victory. And because of what He has done, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins (1 John 1:9).

This changes everything. Our old selves that are full of sin, shame, and separation have been put to death. We are new, forgiven, and able to pursue a relationship with God. And one of the greatest gifts of being “in Christ” is that we no longer have to define ourselves by our past failures, but instead by our identity in Jesus. I don’t know about you, but what a relief this is!

Why Does It Matter?

Being in Christ changes the way we live, the way we see ourselves, and the way we approach God. Here are just a few incredible promises tied to this identity:

Freedom from Condemnation

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1 CSB)

No condemnation. No guilt. No shame. God does not see us as sinful beings, but as His redeemed children. That voice in our heads that tells us we’ll never be good enough? We can silence it with the truth of Scripture. In Christ, we are FREE from condemnation!

Adoption into God’s Family

“He predestined us to be adopted as sons through Jesus Christ for himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.” (Ephesians 1:5 CSB)

God chose us. He adopted us. Because of Jesus, we stand before Him as holy and blameless—not because of our efforts, but because of Christ’s righteousness. We are not outsiders trying to earn our way in. We belong to the family of God.

Victory Over Sin

“For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be rendered powerless so that we may no longer be enslaved to sin.” (Romans 6:6-7 CSB)

Perfection isn’t the goal because perfection isn’t possible. God knows we will struggle, yet He still calls us His own. He still chose us. Through Jesus, we are no longer slaves to sin. We may wrestle with it, but it no longer has power over us. What a love!

Security in Our Eternity

“I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one will snatch them out of my hand.” (John 10:28 CSB)

In Christ, our eternity is secure. We know exactly where we stand because we know who holds us. Nothing can take us from His hand. His love is unwavering, His promises unshakable.

At the end of the day, being “in Christ” simply means being a follower of Him—belonging to Him, walking with Him, and trusting in His promises. If you are in Christ, you are new. You are forgiven. You are secure in Him. Let this truth encourage and strengthen you today!

You are not who you were. You are His.