#1361. In Christ Jesus (9/10/25)
- Matt Beaney
- Oct 9
- 4 min read
Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily Devotional (posted, at present, every weekday) as we continue our Ephesians series: Ephesians - To the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God.
Today’s as we are continuing in Ephesians 1:3, we ask:
What does it mean to be ‘in Christ and why is it only ‘in Christ’ that we can be saved and have the spiritual blessings that are available?
You can listen to this devotional below
‘Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.’ (Ephesians 1:3)
In this devotional, let’s focus on the phrase ‘in Christ.’ Every spiritual blessing we enjoy - now and forever - is ours only because we are united to Jesus. Paul uses this concept - in Christ, with Christ, through Christ - over 150 times in his letters. The message is clear: our blessings do not come through our performance, our circumstances, or our feelings, but through our union with Christ.
Too often, we assess our spiritual standing by how life is going: “I’m sick... I’m unemployed... I feel alone or overlooked…” and we conclude, “God must not be blessing me.” But the truth is far more secure and comforting: if we are in Christ, we are already richly blessed - whether the sun is shining or the storms are raging.
What does it mean to be ‘in Christ’?
1. Representative Union
We all understand the concept of representation - whether in government, royalty, or diplomacy. These kinds of officials represent us to others, such as to other nations. In the same way, Jesus represents us before God. On Jesus representing us, we read:
'He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, so obtaining eternal redemption. ' (Hebrews 9:12)
"For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous." (Romans 5:19)
2. Spiritual Union with Christ
This union is not only representative - it is also living and spiritual. We are organically joined to Christ, like branches grafted into a vine (John 15:5). His life now flows in us by the Holy Spirit. Just as we were once united to Adam - resulting in sin and death - now we are united to Christ, resulting in life, peace, and the enjoyment of every spiritual blessing. This is the most profound truth, and is at the heart of who you are as a Christian; whilst you are in this world, in the place where you are right now, you are also, with Christ, in heaven! this is why, later we read:
‘And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus…’ (Ephesians 2:6)
That’s why Paul writes:
‘I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.’ (Galatians 2:20)
It is only by virtue of our being in Christ that we have been “blessed in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing.”
3. Spiritual union with the Church
This personal union with Christ, also brings corporate unity with the church. We are united, by the Spirit, to all other true believers. Christian unity is not simply about setting aside our differences - it is about recognising and loving those with whom we are united in Christ. No genuine unity exists apart from union with Christ.
4. Let This Truth Shape You
Let this truth reshape how you see yourself, how you pray, and how you worship. Don’t let your feelings, failures, or circumstances define your relationship with God. Instead, fix your heart on this unshakable truth:You are in Christ - and in Him, you are already blessed.
Response
Today, What does it mean to be ‘in Christ and why is it only ‘in Christ’ that we can be saved and have the spiritual blessings that are available?
We’ve seen that ‘Union with Christ’ is central to what it means to be a Christian. A Christian is not simply someone who believes certain truths, but someone who, by the Spirit, is united to Jesus and therefore shares in His life and salvation.
Here are four questions to reflect on today:
Do I know that I’ve died and been raised with Christ?
Do I live in the reality that I have a new life in Him?
Am I relying daily on Jesus’ power by virtue of my union with Him?
Do I treat my church as those with whom I’m spiritually united in Christ?
‘If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: the old has gone, the new is here!’ (2 Corinthians 5:17)
Community Group Notes
1. Notices
It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.
Specifically, ensure everyone knows the details of our upcoming New Ground Weekend.
2. Icebreaker
How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week, and how has this helped you?
3. Worship together
Today, because of our theme, let’s leave more time at the end to worship and pray together.
4. Study and pray together
On Sunday, we began our new series entitled:
Ephesians: to the praise, for the purpose, in the power of God.
Please read Ephesians 1:1-3 and discuss:
What did God speak to you about through Sunday’s message?
How do these verses inspire us to praise God?
What is your current practice regarding praise and worship in your devotions, or, how would you like to develop in this vital practice?
For the rest of our time together, let’s spend time in worship and prayer.
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