Acts 24:24 English Standard Version (ESV) After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith in Christ Jesus.

The exact phrase “in Christ” is used 76 times in the New Testament. By virtue of first appearance, Acts 24:24 highlights the most important aspect and that being “faith in Christ”. None of us are in Christ unless we first receive Him into our hearts by faith.

Ephesians 2:8 English Standard Version (ESV) For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,

Saving grace can only be achieved by faith. Our identity, who we are in Christ, can only be discovered by faith. Salvation is not an intellectual pursuit. We cannot simply believe our way into Christ.

Matthew 13:18, 23a English Standard Version (ESV) “Hear then the parable of the sower: As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it.”

A proper understanding of the “good news” has to take place in order to know how to place our faith in Christ. As was noted earlier in this series, faith is the key to unlocking the door to our hearts. A proper understanding does not just simply say “Jesus Saves” and be done with it.

This relationship with Christ is not an intellectual pursuit. He wants our hearts. The term “give your heart to Jesus” is often heard but just what that means in terms of “faith in Christ” can be misunderstood. People will give of their time and think that is enough. Some will give money and think that is enough. Some will develop friendship with other believers and think that makes them a disciple.

A proper understanding of the gospel message is required in order to discover just how to use our faith to unlock the door to our hearts and let Christ enter.