The question under which this article is being written, is a most challenging one, to say the least! It is one that many have not even thought of. On the subject of questions, questions are a good way to advance one’s study. As questions open areas of thought, that have not come before us before. Questions take us deeper into the subject, whatever it may be. At the same time, there are some people who are fearful of questions, as they are afraid of the what the answer to the question maybe. In other words, some people are happy with the present knowledge, though it is incomplete!
At the same time, some folks believe they know it all, and have no desire to search, even for a better understanding of the subject. This state might be stated in the following; they are quite happy in their “knowledge” of the subject and do not want to be disturbed. Even a question, in regard to a subject, is unwelcome to some, as they have believed it, their parents believed, and if they changed what they have believed, it might mean that they are lost, the parents are lost and this is more than they are willing to consider!
With the above thoughts in our minds, we shall attack the subject: “IS “IN CHRIST” EQUAL TO BEING “IN THE TEACHING OF CHRIST?” Having written six articles addressing the subject, “WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE IN CHRIST?;” we have at least gained a little better understanding of what it means to be “in Christ.” In the shortest answer, to be “in Christ” means that we are saved; having our past sins forgiven! At this point in our lives, our hearts/minds are filled with joy! For we have achieved the first goal in life; salvation! This helps us understand Paul’s words to the Roman church; as he wrote: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek”(Rom. 1:16). Why would one be ashamed of the gospel of Christ? First, it “it is God’s power unto salvation; that is the forgiveness of the sins we have committed unto this point in our lives. Second, it has brought us to an understanding and reality of a world undivided! For it has revealed unto us, that we must be one in spirit/mind, that all are equal before God: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus” (Gal. 3:28); and if one does not have this spirit, such a person cannot enter Christ. Paul also wrote on this subject: “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit” (1 Cor. 1213); thus, one is not “in Christ” if he has a superior spirit/mind, as “one spirit” is a requirement to be “in Christ.” So many times, this is not even thought of when we are baptized! Yet, it is like something that one does not think of but is known in the mind.
If we can separate “the gospel of Christ” from “the teaching of Christ,” only for the sake of understanding that “the gospel of Christ” is part of “the teaching of Christ.” (2 John 9). As it is good for the moment, to see that “the gospel of Christ,” first related to forgiveness of the sins that we have committed up to the time we “obey the gospel of Christ.” Having taken part of God’s power unto salvation, then, we move on in “the teaching of Christ” for our spiritual growth! As Peter’s last written inspired words state: “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen” (2 Pet. 3:18) Indeed, this is a lifetime work! As we grow up into the fulness of Christ: “And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all” (Eph. 1:22-23). Here the total surrender, as in full submission to “the teaching of Christ” is set before us! Christ is the head of his “body,” the church! Thus, all who are in the “body” are those who have enbibed, taken into their spirit/mind the surrender of the total self!
It is “hoped” that the reader is beginning to see that being “in Christ” is being in “the teaching of Christ.” It is totally unthinkable to believe that one can be “in Christ” and not in “the teaching of Christ!” What a grand subject: “IS “IN CHRIST” EQUAL TO BEING “IN THE TEACHING OF CHRIST?” Do you think that you can be “in Christ” but not “in the teaching of Christ?” Do you believe that you can be in “the teaching of Christ” but not “in Christ?” As the apostle wrote: “God forbid” (Rom. 6:2)!
Frank R. Williams