In Him

“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,” - Ephesians 1:7

If you read Ephesians 1:1-14 you will find the following words used:
you (r) 4 times
our 4 times
we 5 times
us 6 times
in 16 times
God, Christ, etc. 37 times

Our union with Christ is the key theme and doctrine of Scripture in this passage. “In him” or “In Christ” is used repeatedly to remind us that we are united with Jesus Christ. Life is all because of God and everything is for him. This is a vertical unity with Jesus, however this provides us a horizontal unity with other believers. If we are “in him” we are family, we are on the same team.

In Christ we find our true identity. Anything outside of “in him” will eventually leave us wanting, hopeless, and wandering. Paul is encouraging the Ephesians, he is wanting them to know the blessing of unity with Jesus and with one another. This is why he repeats these words, they all have to do with union. I want to encourage you to read this passage today and as you do look for the words above. Take note and ask God to help you understand what all your union with Christ means.

...every aspect of God's relationship to believers is in some way connected to our relationship with Christ. From God's counsels in eternity past before the world was created, to our fellowship with God in heaven in eternity future, and including every aspect of our relationship with God in this life—all has occurred in union with Christ. - Wayne Grudem

Further Reading: Ephesians 1:1-14

Bonded

I want you to think about a really rough point in your life, some obstacle, some hardship, some bump in the road that you had to overcome. Were you alone? Did you have anyone to walk with you through those times?

As I have been studying the book of 1 Thessalonians I am understanding that we are not meant to suffer alone. Shared suffering and hardships are much easier to bear than when you are on your own. So many people give up on God, relationships, people, and life because no one pleads with them not to give up. So today if that is you I want to challenge you not to give up. Read and understand the context of 1 Thessalonians. Paul not only shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ with them but he was willing to share his own life and share in their suffering as well (2:8).

When we share our lives with one another and walk "through the fire" we are refined and grow stronger. Think about the Holocaust for example. In the midst of extreme suffering people were brought close together. Christians all over Germany and Europe bonded together to help people. Many people shared in the suffering of the Jews to help them.

We even see that in many areas in our own lives. Look at sports teams. When teams overcome the team grows stronger and their is unity among the group. As Christians we are a team. Living for Christ in a world that is totally opposed to the things of God is really hard. We have many failures and have many obstacles to overcome. We need to share our lives with one another and walk through the hardships and sufferings with people so that we may be strengthened and God may be glorified.