What is meant by being in Christ?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

The phrase, “in Christ,” describes the spiritual union between a believer and Jesus. It means we are joined to Him by faith so that what is true of Him becomes true of us in God’s eyes. His death counts for our death (Romans 6:6-8). His life gives us new life (Colossians 2:13; Ephesians 2:5). His righteousness is counted as ours (2 Corinthians 5:21; Philippians 3:9).

Being in union with Him is not optional. Jesus taught that those who are not connected to Him are lifeless and unable to bear fruit (John 15:5). While all who are in union with Adam die, all who are in union with Christ live (1 Corinthians 15:22). In short: union with Christ moves us from condemnation to justification, from death to life.

The Bible speaks of believers being chosen, adopted, forgiven, and made alive—all in Christ (Ephesians 1:3-7; Romans 8:1). Outside of Him, we remain in sin and under judgment. To be in Christ is to belong to the One who saves, keeps, and gives life.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• While the phrase “in Christ” does not appear in the Old Testament, the foundation for union with a representative is well established. When Adam disobeyed God, his guilt didn’t affect him alone; it brought judgment on all people. As the first man, he stood in a position where his actions had consequences for everyone who came after him (Genesis 2:17; Romans 5:12). Because of his sin, death spread to all humanity. We can say that this means that all men and women are born “in Adam.”
• Isaiah 53 introduces someone who would carry guilt for others. This suffering servant is described as “pierced for our transgressions” (Isaiah 53:5), bearing our punishment so we could have peace. His obedience and suffering bring many to be counted righteous (Isaiah 53:11). This sets the stage for a new representative who would succeed where Adam failed.
• Psalm 91 presents a picture of safety for those who take refuge in the LORD. Though written in general terms, the New Testament applies it directly to Jesus. All who are joined to Him (“in Him”) share in the protection and life God gives to His chosen one.
• Genesis 7 gives a visual example of this kind of refuge. Noah and his family were rescued from God’s judgment on mankind by entering the ark God provided. Their safety was found by being in the place God had prepared. In the same way, our safety is found in Christ.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The New Testament clearly identifies Jesus as the one who reverses the effects of Adam’s sin. In 1 Corinthians 15:22, Paul writes, “For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive.” Every person is naturally joined to Adam and shares in the judgment he brought. Those who are united to Christ, by contrast, are “in Him” and receive the life He secured.
• Romans 6:3-5 explains that believers are joined to Jesus in His death and resurrection. When He died, our old self died with Him. When He rose, we were raised to “walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). That union with Christ is what makes salvation possible.
• Galatians 2:20 expresses this change personally. Paul said, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.” His life was defined by Christ’s presence and work in him.
• Jesus Himself gave a powerful image of this union in John 15. He described Himself as the vine and His followers as branches. The branch cannot survive on its own; it draws everything it needs to survive from the vine. Jesus says, “Apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). This shows that union with Christ is the only way to receive spiritual life and bear fruit. Without Him, we become lifeless.
• Ephesians 1:3-14 describes the spiritual inheritance of those in Christ. Believers are chosen, redeemed, forgiven, and sealed—all because they are united to Jesus. Every spiritual blessing a believer has is tied to that relationship.
• Romans 8:1 makes the result of this clear: “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Being in Christ means that there is no longer any guilt or judgement for the believer.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

If you are “in Christ,” then you are in union with Him. That means that He has already borne your sin and paid for its penalty through His death. Because of this, His life is your life and your future is eternally secure.

Allow this knowledge to give you great rest. Being in Christ means that your hope should never rest in your day-to-day performance. You will have up and down days. Sometimes you will feel obedient and others disobedient. However, your status before God never changes because being in Christ means that who Jesus is as perfectly righteous is who God counts you to be, as well.

That is a huge comfort when we struggle with sin or discouragement. Being in Christ doesn’t mean we are perfect—it means we are forgiven and held tight by the One who is.

If you are not a believer, understand that none of Jesus’ benefits can be yours until you repent of your sin and trust in Him. This means that right now, you remain “in Adam” and under the condemnation that all men and women are under from birth. We encourage you today to flee to the one refuge that will save you from the coming wrath against rebellious men and women. Trust in Jesus and you, too, will be joined to Him and share in His eternal life.

UNDERSTAND

• Being in Christ means believers are united with Jesus through faith.
• Being in Christ is the foundation of our salvation, identity, and hope.
• Every spiritual blessing—being chosen, forgiven, and secure—is found only in Him.

REFLECT

• How does knowing you are in Christ affect the way you see yourself when you fail or struggle?
• How are you drawing your strength and identity from Christ instead of your own performance?
• What spiritual blessings in Christ do you find hardest to remember or believe when life feels overwhelming?

ENGAGE

• How does the contrast between being “in Adam” and “in Christ” help us understand the gospel more clearly?
• What are some ways our union with Christ shapes our relationships with other believers?
• How can we help each other rest in our identity in Christ rather than striving to earn God’s approval?