"In Christ" Your Spiritual Address Free Reprint Article

NotifySnack

Christian Articles for All of your Publishing Needs!

LIKE US

Translate this Page Here

Word Count: 2867

Send Article To Friend

Print/Use Article

Contact Joseph LaValley

"In Christ" Your Spiritual Address

by Joseph LaValley
9/03/2015 / Christian Living

God's word tells us that, spiritually speaking, there are two places where people reside; in the flesh or in Christ (also referred to as in the Spirit). Let's look at the Bible to see what these realities are. The Bible is God's word not man's word. It came from Him, therefore it has His intended meaning. It has His tremendous accuracy. It has rightly been said, God means what He says and says what He means. You and I should take great care to see what He has spoken or more correctly what He is speaking.

A short grammar reminder will help us get a clearer understanding of what God is telling us in Romans and Ephesians regarding man's spiritual address. You probably already know this, but for the sake of clarity I'll put it to print. A preposition is a word that precedes a noun or pronoun to show the noun's relationship to another word in the sentence. Per example- Sam was in the house. Sam was on the house. Sam was at the house. The prepositions "in", "on", and "at" all indicate something different in regards to Sam's relationship to the house. When studying the Pauline epistles, an understanding of the Greek preposition "en"can give us insight into people's spiritual address. The Greek preposition "en" is translated many ways in the English but in the majority of instances, it has been translated "in". In fact it's translated "in" -1902 times. The next highest is "by" -163 times. The third highest is "with"-140 times and then it works downward. The Greek word "en" denotes a fixed position, being or remaining within with the idea of rest and continuance. So you can see why it's translated "in" so many times.

Let's go to Romans to see the truth regarding the two spiritual addresses that exist for mankind. Remember an address is where you live, it's your abode.

Romans 8:8 KJV

So then they that are in [Gr. en] the flesh cannot please God. The word "in" is that afore mentioned Greek preposition "en"which tells us these people didn't merely choose not to please God, they couldn't. They remain and continue in the flesh, it's their only option. This is their spiritual residence, where they reside. They reside in sin nature, it's their home. Sinners can only sin. This is everyone's spiritual address when they're born into this world. It's also why everybody's full time spiritual occupation is committing sins. Whether it's stealing pencils from work or turning into a Hitler it's a manifestation of the sin nature.

Since it's the only nature man has when he's born, it goes without saying, man does not possess the authority nor the power to change his spiritual condition. He can work with the outside but he can't change the spiritual root. For any of us to try to change our lives without Christ is like putting perfume on a skunk.

Ephesians 2:3-4 KJV

Wherein time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience. Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath even as others.

The phrase "were by nature children of wrath "means that this was the fallen state we are born with. The word conversation in verse four is King Jimmy English meaning conduct. The word lust means cravings. Our flesh drove us to seek fulfillment in the most ungodly past times. What about seeking fulfillment in sports, business, academic achievement. Surely this can't be evil, you might say? You're right, of themselves they are not. But remember, the root of the problem is being "in the flesh". If you are in the flesh the only fruit that you can produce will be of the flesh. The flesh seeks its own selfish desires for its self-centered reasons. So, no matter how good the goal or the intentions, you will not get the life you seek.

Just like the physical realm, you don't plant weed seeds and expect flowers to grow. Everything after its kind. The other thing God tells us in Ephesians 2:3 KJV is that the prince of the power of the air, satan, has laid out a course for you to follow. Notice the word "course "is singular. Though there seems to be many choices to follow, if it's not of God it's that same old course of the enemy. He'll get you to follow it and at its end, if you get there, there will be no fulfillment. Then he'll tell you, "That wasn't it, but over here is what you really need, come on let's get going." Unless you're going with God your "going" is a waste of time at best and destructive at its worse.

Time and again you hear the lament of those who have succeeded in achieving their goal only to find that its attainment didn't produce the life they believed it would. While listening to the radio the other day, I heard a Christian giving his testimonial for Christ. He was a pro football player or had been one, I'm not sure if he was retired. Prior to getting born again, he said the best day of his life was the day his team won the super bowl. The worst day of his life was the following day. Once he was over the "high" of achievement, the next day was filled with emptiness. That success didn't bring the life he anticipated and he went into a deep depression.

The goal may be a worthwhile desire but the root of the problem is the flesh that drives us. Death cannot produce life. So what do those who are in the flesh need? They need life and a new spiritual address (these two go hand in hand). Then they can begin walking in light that produces life.

Galatians 6:16 KJV

This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.

This verse is speaking to born again believers. Once someone gets saved, they have a choice in how they walk out their life. Those in the flesh do not. When you confessed Jesus as your Lord believing that God raised him from the dead, at that moment your spiritual address was changed, you were no longer in the flesh; you are in Christ.

Ephesians 2:4-6 KJV

But God who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in [Gr.-en]heavenly places in [Gr.-en] Christ Jesus.

As I said before it's not within in man to change his spiritual condition. It's God's extended offer of grace through His son that provides the answer. The Greek preposition "en" is used here pointing to the reality that this is now your new spiritual address.When God seats you in Christ it is in "heavenly places". This is not referring to the physical heavens where the stars reside as referred to in Genesis 1. This usage is a reference to the sphere of spiritual activity. The book of Job refers to such a place.

Job 1:6 KJV

Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and satan came also among them.

If you look at all the Biblical usages of "son or sons of God" you'll find that it refers to any beings who God had a direct hand in creating. That would be the angels in their original state, Adam, Jesus Christ and born again believers. This usage is referring to angels. So there was a meeting of angels with God. Where would that be? I don't know, but I do know that this place exist.

Do you remember the dream that God gave Jacob; he saw a ladder that was set upon the earth and it reached to heaven? Jacob saw angels ascending and descending upon it. It is in this heavenly sphere where Jesus Christ is seated at God's right hand.

Ephesians4:8,10 KJV

Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.

He,the resurrected, ascended Christ led captive all that captivates men. That would be man's fallen flesh, satan and all the assorted demons. The name of Jesus Christ is the name above all others. This is the authority God has given him. We are in Christ therefore we have the right to wield that authority and power as we are led.

Ephesians 1:19-21 KJV

And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this but also in that which is to come.

This power is to us-ward who believe. This is why God tells us in 1 John 4:4 KJV that greater is he that is in you than he that is in the world. This is also why we are called to be "more than conquers" through him. Yes, life can get tough, but we are in a spiritual position to be victorious.

The right hand in the Bible represents authority and power. The right hand was also a hand of blessing. There are many recorded instances where the patriarchs in the Old Testament placed their right hand on their descendants to speak a blessing. In Christ, God has given us all spiritual blessings.

Ephesians 1:3 KJV

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.

It used to be that I'd draw a mental blank when I read the phrase "spiritual blessing". Quite simply because I had no mind pictures to pin it to. But when I began digging in God's word I began to see the great wholeness God has spiritually given us.

There are two realms that exist; the spiritual and the physical. If God doesn't release something in the spiritual realm, you'll never see it manifest in the physical realm. Remember when God told Israel, after He delivered them from Egypt, to go in and take the Promised Land. He told them that every place where they set the soles of their feet He had given them. The first generation drew back in unbelief because of the giants in the land. They didn't receive into manifestation what God had released. The second generation, led by Joshua, went in and took a good portion of it. Two things here- 1) God spoke and released a blessing 2) Those who gave a faith response put their hands on it.

The next truth that helped me understand what a spiritual blessing is, is the covenant God provides. Through a covenant with Israel God spelled out what He committed Himself to on their behalf. Through a study of the redemptive names of Jehovah in the Old Testament, you see a God who provides for His people. A God who heals His people. A God who will protect and fight for His people. A God, who through the blood covenant, provides righteousness for His people. A God who will guide as a shepherd. The well-known Psalms 23 metaphorically declares what the Lord our shepherd will do. These are all blessings given by God through a covenant.

These things certainly give pictures to define what a blessing is. You may be saying, "That was Israel, what about us." Let's take a look at us. In 2 Corinthians God gives us a comparison between the covenant He made with Israel and compares it to the covenant He offers through the blood of Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 3:6-8 KJV

Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not steadfastly behold the face of Moses for the glory of his countenance; which glory was to be done away; How shall not the ministration of the spirit be rather glorious?

The letter refers to the law while the spirit refers to the new birth. Therefore being "in Christ" and having all spiritual blessings means what God will do for us exceeds in glory what He did for Israel. Why? Because of a better covenant; Jesus Christ has come. Healing, provision, protection, wisdom, peace, spiritual enablement and of course a God given righteousness, all these are ours. God has made the provision spiritually. Now it's up to you and me to walk by the spirit.

Romans 8:9 KJV

But ye are not in [GR.-en] the flesh, but in [Gr.-en] the spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

We who are born again have the Spirit of Christ, therefore we are his. We can never again be in the flesh but we can walk according to or after the flesh. We must choose.

Romans 8:12-13 KJV

Therefore brethen, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die, but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

There is death in the flesh but life in the Spirit. In Christ is our completeness.

Colossians 2:10 KJV

And ye are complete in [Gr.-en] him, which is the head of all principality and power.

Paul tells us in Romans that we are to live by faith. In thought, word and deed we should agree with what God has done for us in Christ. I haven't arrived, as the saying goes, but I have left the station and as such have experienced God's goodness when I have stood. Back in 1974 I had a job in public works for a very small town in the pan handle of Florida. Our small crew was the "every and all" department. We were the parks dept., the dog catchers, the water and sewer dept. Like I said it was a small town. I often wondered if Andy Griffith was the Sheriff. You younger folk may not have a clue as to who Andy Griffeth is.

So here we were running sewer lines. This involved climbing down inside the manholes. Another guy would lower the equipment down by rope then you would have to set it up. One of the pieces of equipment was a cast iron tripod. It must have weighed about sixty pounds. My turn came so I climbed about twelve feet down into the manhole. Then this other fellow started lowering the tripod down by rope when it suddenly slipped from his hands. Now these manholes aren't very wide so there was no dodging this falling object. There was nothing I could do in the physical but there was in the spiritual.

I knew what God had given me in Christ. He was my healer and protector. I immediately began speaking these truths over my body. The tripod did hit my chest and yeah it did hurt a heap. But because I didn't want my mind to go into fear mode I just kept speaking those "in Christ" realities over myself. When I came up out of the manhole the other guys showed great concern for me and wanted to know what I wanted to do. Now I'm not against doctors nor is God. I decided not to go to one. I just kept speaking God's word over my body. I should have had a pretty bad injury. However by the time we got back to the yard, there was only a tiny black and blue mark the size of a quarter. Thank God for what He's done for me in Christ.

I haven't reached that spiritual plateau of perfection (which is a myth by the way) in my walk with God by any stretch of the imagination. There have been times when I let the circumstances push me into carnal faith; you know responding to the physical only. When I awaken to my failure I repent and turn back to who I am in Christ. Failure doesn't change my spiritual address. It is God who made me to sit down in Christ at His own right hand. This is my spiritual address. Find out what you have in Christ and taste and see that the Lord is good.

My name is Joseph. I became serious about walking with the Lord back in 1972. My wife and I have been married since 1975, and have two grown daughters. We presently live in Texas. Our e-book -"Come Walk With The Father" is available at amazon.com.

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS

If you died today, are you absolutely certain that you would go to heaven? You can be! Click here and TRUST JESUS NOW