Only 1 way into Christ

[Stinker]

What is meant by 'in Christ' ?

When the New Testament talks about being in Christ it is speaking figuratively with spiritual meanings and implications.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places IN CHRIST." (Eph.1:3)

"IN WHOM we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace;" (Eph1:7)

"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are IN CHRIST Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." (Rom.8:1)


To be IN Christ is to be IN His body: "For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ." (1 Cor.12:12)

To be IN the church is to be IN CHRIST: "For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is head of the church: and he is the savior of the body." (Eph.5:23)

"And He is head of the body, the church:" (Col.1:18)


Since the New Testament teaches that the church is the same as the body of Christ, and that to be in the body of Christ, is to be IN Christ, the next thing that needs to be known is HOW to get INTO Christ.


The New Testament teaches that one has to have a 'live' faith in order to become a Christian: "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." (James 2:17) "For ye are all children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized INTO Christ have put on Christ." (Gal.3:26-27)


Baptized INTO the body, the church, Christ- not Believe INTO

"Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death." (Rom.6:3)

"For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body,.." (1 Cor.12:13)

"For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." (Gal.3:27)



Water baptism is the only vehicle by which our soul is put INTO Christ where it is washed clean of sins by Christ's blood: (Eph.1:3,7)

"And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." (Acts 22:15)

"...See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?" (Acts 8:36)

"Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?" (Acts 10:47)

"That He might sanctify and cleanse it (the church) with the washing of water with the word," (Eph.5:26)

"Not by works of righteousness (Law of Moses) which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the WASHING of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost." (Titus 3:5)

"...These are they which came out of the great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." (Rev.7:14)

Thus Christ bought the church...."to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood." (Acts 20:28) So by obeying the gospel; "...And the Lord added to to the church daily such as should be saved." (Acts 2:47)

 

[billwald]

"IN" is a gnostic sort of word in Evangelical Protestantism.. One has to be an INsider to understand it <G>. When you get written Evangelical Protestant material, circle the ins. How many time does the meaning of "in" change in one paragraph?

I don't have this problem with Orthodox or Catholic writings.

 

[daveleau]

What is the definition of "is"...I mean "in"? I think you'd have to be more specific in your inferences to EP ingredients, because in very few instances is "in" inportant. I am in the inner circle of EP and in my studies, I have never been influenced by the instances of in in writings. I am in need of more information in this instance to get the quintisential meaning in which you are insinuating.

Ok, sorry about that.

I like the OP. I have a tendency to disagree a little regarding part of the second half of your post, but will not start a debate on that topic as they are prevalent here. Very good post, though. Thanks for sharing. (Ha! Not one "in"!)

 

[thereselittleflower]

"IN" is a gnostic sort of word in Evangelical Protestantism.. One has to be an INsider to understand it <G>. When you get written Evangelical Protestant material, circle the ins. How many time does the meaning of "in" change in one paragraph?

I don't have this problem with Orthodox or Catholic writings.

??

I'm not following the connection between the OP and your post . .

I am not sure how you are seeing what was written in the OP as suggesting that one has to be an "INsider" to understand what the OP wrote?



Peace in Him!

 

[Stinker]

??

I'm not following the connection between the OP and your post . .

I am not sure how you are seeing what was written in the OP as suggesting that one has to be an "INsider" to understand what the OP wrote?



Peace in Him!

There is a cosmic force (Satan) that most definitely does not want anyone to decide to obey the gospel and be baptized into Christ. Though he may not see it, but that is the reason that billwald wrote that slight chiding about one getting into Christ's body. There is only one place where Satan cannot get to our soul, and that is in Christ.

 

[Macca]

What is meant by 'in Christ' ?

When the New Testament talks about being in Christ it is speaking figuratively with spiritual meanings and implications.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places IN CHRIST." (Eph.1:3)

"IN WHOM we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace;" (Eph1:7)

"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are IN CHRIST Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." (Rom.8:1)


To be IN Christ is to be IN His body: "For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ." (1 Cor.12:12)

To be IN the church is to be IN CHRIST: "For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is head of the church: and he is the savior of the body." (Eph.5:23)

"And He is head of the body, the church:" (Col.1:18)


Since the New Testament teaches that the church is the same as the body of Christ, and that to be in the body of Christ, is to be IN Christ, the next thing that needs to be known is HOW to get INTO Christ.


The New Testament teaches that one has to have a 'live' faith in order to become a Christian: "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." (James 2:17) "For ye are all children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized INTO Christ have put on Christ." (Gal.3:26-27)


Baptized INTO the body, the church, Christ- not Believe INTO

"Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death." (Rom.6:3)

"For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body,.." (1 Cor.12:13)

"For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." (Gal.3:27)



Water baptism is the only vehicle by which our soul is put INTO Christ where it is washed clean of sins by Christ's blood: (Eph.1:3,7)

"And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." (Acts 22:15)

"...See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?" (Acts 8:36)

"Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?" (Acts 10:47)

"That He might sanctify and cleanse it (the church) with the washing of water with the word," (Eph.5:26)

"Not by works of righteousness (Law of Moses) which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the WASHING of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost." (Titus 3:5)

"...These are they which came out of the great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb." (Rev.7:14)

Thus Christ bought the church...."to feed the church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood." (Acts 20:28) So by obeying the gospel; "...And the Lord added to to the church daily such as should be saved." (Acts 2:47)

Because the theif on the cross next to Jesus expressed belief in Him, Jesus told him that he would be in paradise with Him. Do you suggest that Jesus told an untruth because the thief had no opportunity to be baptised before dying?
No! one comes in Christ by FAITH.
Eph.2: 8,9 we are saved by grace through faith,not of ourselves (works including baptism) that no-one can boast.
Macca.

 

[FreeGrace]

Because the theif on the cross next to Jesus expressed belief in Him, Jesus told him that he would be in paradise with Him. Do you suggest that Jesus told an untruth because the thief had no opportunity to be baptised before dying?
No! one comes in Christ by FAITH.
Eph.2: 8,9 we are saved by grace through faith,not of ourselves (works including baptism) that no-one can boast.
Macca.

my dear brother has said it ALL by Grace through Faith,why oh why does sinful man feel the need to add .Accept salvation is ALL of Gods Grace.

Peace to you all In Christ.

 

[Adammi]

Believers are in Christ, part of His body. Many of these scriptures I think could be properly translated through, some that is, not all.

 

[Stinker]

Because the theif on the cross next to Jesus expressed belief in Him, Jesus told him that he would be in paradise with Him. Do you suggest that Jesus told an untruth because the thief had no opportunity to be baptised before dying?
No! one comes in Christ by FAITH.
Eph.2: 8,9 we are saved by grace through faith,not of ourselves (works including baptism) that no-one can boast.
Macca.

Over and over and over again.........Look for yourselves all you who, for whatever reason, have it in your mind that the word (works) in Eph.2:9 is any of the works commanded for us to obey in the New Testament. The 'works' that caused one to BOAST:

"Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law and makest thy BOAST of God." (Romans 2:17)
"Thou that makest thy BOAST of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?" (Romans 2:23)


The law that produced BOASTING was the Law of Moses that the Jews kept, and tried to make the new converts of Paul keep. The entire book of Galatians was written addressing this issue!

 

[Macca]

Over and over and over again.........Look for yourselves all you who, for whatever reason, have it in your mind that the word (works) in Eph.2:9 is any of the works commanded for us to obey in the New Testament. The 'works' that caused one to BOAST:

"Behold, thou art called a Jew, and restest in the law and makest thy BOAST of God." (Romans 2:17)
"Thou that makest thy BOAST of the law, through breaking the law dishonourest thou God?" (Romans 2:23)


The law that produced BOASTING was the Law of Moses that the Jews kept, and tried to make the new converts of Paul keep. The entire book of Galatians was written addressing this issue!

If I am boasting about how much I have done to "save" myself, and believe that my works, indeed, do save, then I have the problem spoken of in Eph. 2: 8,9.
Macca.

 

[filosofer]

Might be helpful to narrow the study. Ephesians alone has the phrase "in Christ/in Him/in the Lord" 37 times. that in itself would constitute a substantial study for understanding. Then move out into other of Paul's letters. Compare/contrast with the non-Pauline writings, and the Gospels.

Sounds like a good winter study - maybe even a thesis for a graduate program...

 

[Stinker]

If I am boasting about how much I have done to "save" myself, and believe that my works, indeed, do save, then I have the problem spoken of in Eph. 2: 8,9.
Macca.

Did your belief save you Macca? I think it did. But if you think it did, you get into trouble with Jesus in the following passage of scripture..........


Then said they unto Him, "What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?" Jesus answered and said unto them, "This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him whom He hath sent." (Jn.6:28-29)

 

[Macca]

Did your belief save you Macca? I think it did. But if you think it did, you get into trouble with Jesus in the following passage of scripture..........


Then said they unto Him, "What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?" Jesus answered and said unto them, "This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him whom He hath sent." (Jn.6:28-29)

My faith in Jesus the Christ is what has saved me. I have said that all along.
In Galatians, Paul is not only writing to Jews, but to Gentile Christians, who were being convinced to take up the yoke of the law (which was not necessary) Gal 3: 10- 14.
Macca.

 

[gusto]

My Bible says it is by faith without works period!!!!!!!!!!!!

How do we receive the Holy Spirit?
(Gal 3:2) by the hearing of faith
(Gal 3:14) that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith
(Eph 1:13) By trustin and believing

How are we justified?
(Rom 3:27-30) By law? NO! By works? NO! By the law of faith? YESSSSSSS!!!!
(Rom 5:1) by faith (Rom 5:9) By his blood! Thank you Jesus!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

How are we reconciled unto God?
(Rom 5:10) by the death of his Son!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(Eph 2:16) by the cross
* Watch out! (1 Cor 1:18) For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish
foolishness!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(Col 1:20) through the blood of his cross! Glory to God!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

How is God's righteousness imputed unto us?
(Rom 3:22-26) believing in Jesus
(Rom 4:5-8) by faith
* My sins are covered by his blood! What are your's covered with friend? Water?
(Rom 4:21-25) Believing on him that raised up Jesus our Lord!!!!!!!!!!
(Rom 5:19) For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the
obedience of one shall many be made righteous.
* Not by the obedience of one at a time being obedient!!!!!!
* I needed not to be baptized in Adam's name to be made a sinner and I need not to be baptized in Jesus' name to be made righteous! Jesus was baptized for me already, only not in water!!(Matt 20:22)

How are we saved?
(1 Cor 15:1-4)(Rom 1:16)(Eph 3:1-6)(2 Tim 1:9-10) by the gospel
(Rom 5:10) by his life! Hey, that is part of the gospel! Sounds like (Rom 10:9-13) might do the trick!!!!!!!!!!

What is this gospel Paul keeps writing about?
(1 Cor 15:3-4) ...Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures;
* Notice no mention of water baptism!
* That's OK, he mentions it in (1 Cor 1:17)!
* (Gal 1:11-12) But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me
is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by
the revelation of Jesus Christ.

According to the scriptures I received the Holy Spirit of God and Jesus saved me before I stepped into that tub of water!!!!!
* Could I have a good conscience toward God without the Spirit? (1 Pet 3:21)
* I professed Jesus Christ as my Lord Prior to water baptism! (1 Cor 12:3)
* The Spirit beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of god.
(Rom 8:16) Iwas His child before I even knew what baptism with water meant!!!
*Jesus saves not two people waist deep in water!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

After I was made righteous by believing and trusting Christ I was baptized in water.
It was an answer of a good conscience toward God. My baptism was about exalting the Lord Jesus Christ and lifting up the work HE did for me on the cross! It was about offering myself a living sacrifice, which is my reasonable duty!!!!

I love my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[JohnJones]

My Bible says it is by faith without works period!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ah, but is something that you cannot do a work? You couldn't baptize yourself if you wanted to. It's not a work - that's why you don't do it - you can't do it - you can only receive it.


Thus, after Paul saw Jesus on the road, repented, and went and prayed for a straight 3 days (according to Acts 9 and Acts 22 combined), Ananias came to him and said "What are you waiting for? Get baptized and have your sins washed away calling on the name of the Lord." (Acts 22:16) He said "get baptized" not "baptize yourself." Who baptized Paul? Not Paul. Yet, Ananias makes it clear that prior to baptism his sins were not washed away - he was NOT forgiven yet. He believed. He had repented. He had been praying for 3 days. YET, his sins were still on him like stink on a skunk. It was only when he received baptism that his sins were washed away.

 

[gusto]

Hi JohnJones!

(John 9:31) Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but
if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him
he heareth.
* Why did the Lord hear Paul's prayer?
* Was his sins forgiven by water or because he called
on the name of the Lord?
(1 Cor 12:3) ...no man can say that Jesus is the Lord,
but by the Holy Ghost.
* What does Paul call Jesus in (Acts 9:5-6)?
* Was Paul doing God's will?
Well, Paul did "Arise, and go into the city to receive
further instructions! (Acts 9:6-9)
* Was Paul saved before water baptism?
I'll trust the scripture on that one!!!!!
Was I made righteous by the preacher's obedience that
"dunked" me? No! I was made righteous by Jesus Christ's
obedience!!!!!!!! Even his obedience to the death of the cross!!!

Praise Jesus!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[andy153]

Being in Christ is the opposite of being in the world.

To be in Christ is to be saved, as Noah was saved by being in the ark so we are saved by being in Christ.

I think of being in Christ as being in his love

by being in his law

by being in his light

by being in his way

by being in his truth

by being in his life

by being in his salvation

by being in his death

by being in his resurrection.


with love and respect, andy153

 

[Stinker]

By being in Christ's body where in is only the forgiveness of sins. (Eph.1:7) (Rom.8:1)

Why else is the one baptism (Eph.4:5) (Acts 8:35-38) (Acts 2:38) for the remission of sins? It is the only vehicle by which a person reaches Christ's blood to receive the washing away of one's sins, to get into His body, the church (Acts 20:28) (Col.1:18, Eph.5:23)

 

[gusto]

(Acts 1:5) Jesus Christ says, &#8220;For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence."

John the Baptist speaks of the baptism with water, performed by him, and of a future baptism with the Holy Ghost, performed by Jesus Christ. (Mark 1:8)(John 1:33)

Peter remembers how that Jesus told them, &#8220;John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.&#8221; (Acts 11:16)

* The above scriptures clearly speak of two baptisms, one performed by man and another to be performed by Jesus Christ.

Baptisms with water by John the Baptist (Matt 3:6, 13)(Mark 1:4)(Luke 3:7)(John 1:26)
Philip baptizes the eunuch (Acts 8:38)
Paul baptizes Crispus, Gaius, and the household of Stephanas (1 Cor 1:14-16)
* These baptisms with water are performed by men. The scriptures say it not me.

The scriptures tell us there is &#8220;one baptism&#8221;. (Eph 4:5)
* Which baptism is the scripture speaking of, the baptism with water carried out by man, or the baptism with the Holy Ghost by Jesus Christ?

* Which &#8220;one baptism&#8221; do you trust to &#8220;get&#8221; you into the body of Christ?

The Gentile believers in (Acts 10) were baptized with the Holy Ghost before Peter had a chance to finish his message. After the Gentiles received this baptism with the Holy Ghost they were baptized with water.

* Some supporters of the belief that water baptism is a &#8220;must&#8221; for salvation say the giving of the Holy Ghost is not the same as the baptism with the Holy Ghost.

Look what Peter says in (Acts 11)
* Peter is explaining to those of the circumcision why he went to the Gentiles. (Acts 11:1-14)
* Peter was to tell Cornelius &#8220;words" whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.&#8221; 13-14)

* In (Acts 15:7) God choose Peter, &#8220;that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the "word of the gospel", and believe.

* Peter says, &#8220;And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. (Acts 11:15).

*Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. (11:16)

* We know the words that Peter spoke to the Gentiles in (Acts 10) because they are written in the scriptures! (Acts 10:34-43)

* How were these Gentiles to receive remission of sins? Did Peter tell them to repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost?

* Are we to believe that God gave the Holy Ghost to a group of unforgiven sinners who received remission of their sins afterwards, once they were baptized with water?

* Seems that Peter understood this event as the baptism with the Holy Ghost (11:16). Scripture tells us this is done by Jesus Christ.
(Mark 1:8)(John 1:33)

(Acts 15) Peter tells his story to the elders and apostles

7) The Gentiles by Peter&#8217;s mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.

8) God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost
* What did God give witness to, their believing in Christ (Acts 10:43), or their willingness to be baptized with water (Acts 10:48)?

9) God put no difference between us (Jews) and them (Gentiles) purifying their hearts by faith!
* If God purified their hearts by faith, do they still need to be baptized with water before this &#8220;purification&#8221; becomes a reality? Or, Were their hearts purified by faith, through the baptism with the Holy Ghost from Jesus Christ?

10) Yes, I know this refers to being circumcised after the manner of Moses 1). This doesn&#8217;t change the truth that the Gentiles were baptized with the Holy Ghost and that God purified their hearts by faith prior to being baptized with water!

11) Look what Peter says! &#8220;But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, even as they.&#8221;

12) Then all the multitude kept silence&#8230;

* No matter what man may believe one cannot switch the &#8220;we&#8221; with the &#8220;they&#8221; in 11)
* (1 Cor 12:13) For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body&#8230;..
Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is there
is liberty (2 Cor 3:17)
* The word &#8220;Baptized &#8220; doesn&#8217;t speak of baptism with water every time it is used!!
* Let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, THAT THOU MIGHTEST BE JUSTIFIED IN THY SAYINGS, AND MIGHTEST OVERCOME WHEN THOU ART JUDGED. (Rom 3:4)

(Eph 4:5) One Lord, one faith, one baptism
* What &#8220;version&#8221; of the bible reads &#8220;one baptism for the remission of sins&#8221;?

Which passage of scripture says &#8220; Baptism (I take it this means with water?) is the only vehicle by which a person reaches Christ&#8217;s blood to receive the washing away of one&#8217;s sins, to get into his body, the church&#8221;?

What&#8217;s the purpose of the baptism of the Holy Ghost (Acts 11:16) that is done by Jesus Christ (John 1:33)?

 

[Stinker]

Which passage of scripture says “ Baptism (I take it this means with water?) is the only vehicle by which a person reaches Christ’s blood to receive the washing away of one’s sins, to get into his body, the church”?

"IN whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace." (Eph.1:7)

We reach Christ's blood by being 'in' His body......."For the husband is the head of the wife; even as Christ is the head of the church: and He is the saviour of the body." (Eph.5:23)
"And He is the head of the body, the church:" (Col.1:18)
"Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, 'which He hath purchased with His own blood.' (Acts 20:28)

So, one gets 'into' 'Christ' or the 'body' or the 'church' via the one baptism of Eph.4:5 "One Lord, one faith, one baptism."


"Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized INTO Jesus Christ were baptized into His death?" Rom.6:3)
"For as many of you as have been baptized INTO Christ have put on Christ." (Gal.3:27)

Then Phillip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came to a certain water: and the eunuch said, "See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?" And Phillip said, "If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Phillip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Phillip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. (Acts 8:35-39)

So this one baptism (Eph.4:5) that we read of in Acts 2:38 is for or (unto) Eph.1:7).