We continue with our look at what we have in Christ. We’ve seen six benefits and advantages already, but Paul is not through yet. Here is the remaining six.

(1) In Christ, we have the riches of God’s grace lavished on us

Yes, we’ve already seen grace mentioned, but I believe it is significant that Paul uses it twice. In the first mention of God’s grace, he describes it as being “freely bestowed” on us. In this portion of the passage, he describes God’s grace as being “lavished” on us. To lavish is to give in great amounts. It can even mean that the giving is limitless. In the case of our position in Christ, God’s grace is limitless. Those outside of Christ cannot claim to be in right standing with God, but because of the grace and favor of God, the believer can rest in this grace.

(2) In Christ, we have wisdom and insight into the will of God

Is it possible for us to know the will of God? Scripture teaches us that we can know what it is that God wills for our lives. In the broadest sense, the gospel describes God’s desire for mankind. But even in the smallest of details, I believe that we can know the will of God. Consider the following:

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

                                                                                                                 Romans 12:2 

The word “prove” can be defined as testing or examining something to see whether it is genuine or not. And how do we test to see if something is from God or not? First, we are to reject the ways of the world and its attempt to mold us into its image. “Do not be conformed to this world.” The more we entangle ourselves in the world, the less likely we are going to see, hear, or correctly assess God’s will for our lives. But along with rejecting the ways of the world, we must consistently be renewing our minds and that cannot be done without a study of God’s word. It is quite ridiculous for someone to suggest that they are sincerely pursuing the will of God yet fail to make time for scripture. “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” The only way we can know for sure that something is of God is for it to line up with the truth of the Bible. Apart from that, we are simply stabbing in the dark.

(3) In Christ, we understand that all things are summed up in Him

Knowing that all things are summed up in Christ is a tremendous truth because it means that the believer is secure in his standing with God. Consider the following:

For Christ is the end (culmination) of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.

                                                                                                Romans 10:4

When Paul tells us that Jesus is the end of the Law, he means that all things are summed up in Christ, even the criteria by which a human soul goes to heaven. In Christ, we are in good standing with God. Apart from Christ, we are not. It really is that simple. Because of God’s grace, righteousness now comes by faith in Jesus. Everyone who believes is declared righteous. The problem Paul is addressing is that there are some who are still trying to be right with God through the Law, meaning through their own actions. But all things (including salvation) are summed up in Christ. This should bring spiritual security to the believer.

(4) In Christ, we have an eternal inheritance

I suppose the most obvious benefit and advantage that believers have over the world is the eternal inheritance we have waiting for us at the end of this life. It truly is a tragedy when someone rejects an eternal inheritance in Christ for the sake of temporal, material things. Attempting to hold on to things that you can’t keep and rejecting the very thing that you can’t work for or buy is foolishness. Jesus tells us that we cannot serve God and money at the same time (Matthew 6:24). He instructs us to store up treasure in heaven and not treasure here on earth (Matthew 6:19-21). He tells us that seeking to hold on to our lives only leads to us losing it while losing this life for the sake of the gospel allows one to keep his/her life (Luke 9:24). What does a man gain if he has the entire world yet forfeits his own soul? (Luke 9:25) Believers know that when we surrender our lives to Christ, not only do we have an eternal inheritance but we get the privilege of seeing our earthly needs met as well. Sounds like a good deal to me!

(5) In Christ, we have salvation simply by responding to the gospel

An often over looked portion of the gospel is its simplicity. Paul writes, “that after listening to the gospel” and “having believed”, we were sealed in Him. Salvation comes from hearing the gospel and responding to it. We do nothing other than receive salvation. When Paul was asked the question, “What must I do to be saved?” his response was, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved” (Acts 16:30-31). “Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all of your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path” (Proverbs 3:5-6). “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord and whose trust is the Lord” (Jeremiah 17:7). Whoever believes is not condemned (John 3:18). All throughout scripture we see the simplicity of the gospel as being received through faith. Although some will complicate the gospel, it is its simplicity that is truly good news!

(6) In Christ, we are sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise

Finally, in Christ, we have eternal security because we are “sealed” in Christ. When we exhibit evidences of the Holy Spirit in our lives, we can know that we belong to Christ. Scripture tells us that “whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God,” God abides with that person and that person abides with God (1 John 4:15). This is what it means to exemplify the presence of the Spirit in our lives. This presence of the Spirit should bring spiritual security to all who trust in Jesus.

So what do we have in Christ? We have life, real life, and life abundantly! Give Him thanks today for these spiritual realities!

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst.”

                                                                                                                       John 6:35

Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.’”

                                                                                                                 John 7:37-38