In Christ (From our 7-6-25 Worship)
Introduction: The Largest Movable Structure in the World
- The speaker introduces the New Safe Confinement at Chernobyl—the world’s largest movable land-based structure.
- Dimensions: 850 feet wide, 530 feet long, 350 feet tall.
- Built 600 feet away from its final location due to deadly radiation, then slid into place over the failed reactor.
- Notably, it has no doors (other than a sealed airlock), designed to keep everything inside contained—no entrance, no exit.
Spiritual Application: The Meaning of "In Christ"
- Transition: Just as the Chernobyl structure is sealed with no entry or exit, the idea of being “in” or “out” has great significance in the Bible.
- The phrase “in Christ” appears about 115 times in Scripture, signifying something very important.
Biblical Exploration of "In Christ"
1. The Church is "In Christ"
- Romans 12:3–5—The church is described as one body in Christ.
- Ephesians 1:19–22—The body is the church.
- Matthew 16:13–18—Jesus builds His church upon the confession that He is the Christ.
2. There Is an "Outside of Christ"
- If some are “in Christ,” others must be “outside.”
- Matthew 15—Some thought they worshiped rightly but were actually “outside” because they followed man’s traditions rather than God’s commands.
- The Bible is the standard for determining spiritual realities, like a tape measure ends all debate about width.
3. Christians Are "In Christ" (Saints)
- Philippians 1:1; Ephesians 1:1—Saints are simply faithful Christians "in Christ."
- The Bible does not reserve “saint” for a select few; it’s the biblical name for all believers who are faithful and “in Christ.”
4. Faith Must Be "In Christ"
- Philippians 3:7–9—Paul gave up everything to be found "in Christ," valuing Christ above all.
- Faith is action that follows belief; real belief leads to changed life and costly sacrifices (illustrated by the $20,000 moonshine story).
5. Obedience and Evidence of Being "In Christ"
- 1 John 2:3–6—If we claim to know Jesus but don’t obey, we’re lying.
- There must be evidence: “Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.”
- Not perfection, but real, visible change.
6. The Blessings of Being "In Christ"
- Ephesians 1:3—Every spiritual blessing is found "in Christ."
- Romans 8:1—“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
- If all blessings are in Christ, there are none outside of Him.
7. How to Get "In Christ"
- Just as the only way into a building is through a door, there is a way “into Christ.”
- Galatians 3:26–27 (ESV):
"for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ."
- Romans 6:3–7—Baptism is described as a burial and resurrection with Christ; it is the point of transition into Him.
- Not baptism alone, but belief, repentance, confession, and baptism are all part of entering Christ (Mark 16:16, Romans 10:10).
8. The Gospel’s Foundation
- The gospel is based on Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:1–4), which we participate in through baptism.
Conclusion: The Importance of Being "In Christ"
- Every spiritual blessing, including no condemnation, is for those "in Christ."
- The invitation: Consider whether you are "in Christ" or "out of Christ."
- Baptism is the doorway—not the end, but the beginning of a life lived for Christ as a “living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1).
- Final encouragement to respond if help is needed.
Key Points to Remember
- The Chernobyl containment is a vivid illustration: once the door is closed, entry is impossible—mirroring the importance of entering “in Christ” now.
- Being “in Christ” is the only place where spiritual blessings and salvation are found.
- Baptism is the God-given way to enter “in Christ,” along with faith, repentance, and confession.
- Faithful living is required, not just a one-time event.
