Ephesians 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

Seventy-eight times the New Testament uses the phrase “in Christ”. We are for sure members of the body of Christ. The bride, His church is the embodiment of Christ on earth. There is no denying that, not for those of us who believe.

I spent a good number of years training in the ministry, operating in the gifts, seeking the “better gifts” trying to discover who I am in Christ. I have seen myself as the eyes of Christ, the ears of Christ, even the tongue for a time, but never found comfort with my position in Christ. I always seemed to seek more as if I were dissatisfied, even when I was not.

My desire to be used of the Lord led me on a quest to discover who I was in Christ. I was wrong.

My time would have been better spent if I have sought to discover who Christ is in me.

It came to me in the knowledge of Spiritual Gifts. They are the gifts of the Spirit, performed by the Spirit and not by me. I do not get to wield the power. I do not get to choose the will. I do not get to glory in the Lord’s work. I had to repent of seeking glory before I could see the truth in this matter.

Galatians 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God…

I live not by my faith in Christ but by His faith in me.

John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

What I like about this verse is that there are no conditions placed on the command. Jesus said sanctify them, he did not say “Sanctify them if they….” So much of the Old Testament is conditioned upon action. “If you will…. I will.” In this man failed God, not God failing men.

Even in the New Testament salvation only comes to those who believe by faith. While salvation is offered to all, only those who believe by faith receive it. A small condition in comparison to the reward, but a condition none the less.

Once that choice has been made, once we ask Jesus Christ to be the Lord of our lives, a new covenant appears. I like to see it like this; “You are mine and this is yours.” All God’s promises in Christ are yes and amen. While our understanding of what those promises are might be imperfect, His Word is truth. He will not deny you His promises just because you have not yet reached perfection. There are no conditions, not for the promises.

There will be a group of individuals that will at this time declare, “But you must…” There always were and forever will be people who put conditions upon themselves.

Galatians 2:14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?

Does it matter that a religious rule be an old one or one conveniently created today if the truth of the gospel is not followed? We live a life of faith not law. Does man compel you or does the Holy Spirit convict you?