IN-CHRIST REALITIES
(Understanding the Believer’s Identity and Position in Christ)

Written By Sodeinde Damilola

A Short Story of Discovery

John was a dedicated Christian. He loved the Lord, went to church regularly, and tried his best to live right. But deep down, he constantly battled with feelings of unworthiness, guilt, and fear. He believed Jesus had saved him, but he struggled to see himself the way God saw him. Every time he failed, he felt distant from God—like he had to “earn” his way back into God’s favor.

One day, while reading the book of Ephesians, John came across a phrase that caught his attention: “in Christ.”

Curious, he began to study what it meant. Verse after verse began to jump off the pages—“new creation,” “righteousness of God,” “accepted in the beloved,” “seated with Christ,” and more. He realized these weren’t promises for a future life—they were present realities for those who are in Christ.

The more he studied, the more his mindset shifted. John began to see himself not as a struggling sinner but as a redeemed son of God, filled with the Holy Spirit, empowered by grace, and called for purpose. Guilt turned into peace. Fear turned into confidence. His prayer life, relationships, and whole Christian walk transformed—not because of external changes, but because he finally saw his identity in Christ.

Introduction

“In-Christ Realities” refer to the spiritual truths and benefits that belong to every believer as a result of being united with Jesus Christ through salvation. These realities are not based on feelings, experiences, or outward circumstances, but on the unchanging truth of God’s Word. To be “in Christ” is to share in everything that Jesus accomplished through His death, resurrection, and ascension. It means that believers have a new identity, a new position, and a new inheritance.
Understanding “In-Christ Realities” is essential for every Christian who wants to walk in victory, authority, freedom, and divine purpose. This article explores these realities in depth, with solid scriptural backing, so that believers can fully embrace who they are in Christ and live accordingly.

1. A New Creation 

2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV)
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
To be in Christ is to experience spiritual rebirth. The old, sinful nature is gone, and a new nature that is aligned with God’s righteousness is given.
• This transformation is not just moral improvement but a complete regeneration of the human spirit.
• The new creation is recreated in the image of Christ, with the potential to grow into His likeness (Ephesians 4:24).

2. Justified and Righteous 

Romans 5:1 (KJV)
“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
>2 Corinthians 5:21 (KJV)
“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”

When we are in Christ:
• We are justified (declared not guilty) before God.
• We are made righteous—not by our own works but by Christ’s righteousness imputed to us.

This means that the believer can now approach God without guilt, shame, or fear, because their standing before God is perfect in Christ.

3. Accepted and Loved

Ephesians 1:6 (KJV)
“To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.”
In Christ, the believer is unconditionally accepted. This acceptance is not based on performance, background, or merit. It is based on the finished work of Christ.
>Romans 8:38-39 (KJV) assures us that:
“…nothing shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Being in Christ guarantees that the believer is permanently enveloped in God’s love.

4. Adopted as Sons and Daughters

Galatians 4:5-7 (KJV)
“To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons… and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.”
>Believers in Christ are adopted into God’s family:
• Not only are we children of God, but we are heirs—co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17).
• We have the full rights, privileges, and responsibilities of sonship.
This gives us access to the Father’s provision, discipline, and intimacy.

5. Redeemed and Forgiven

Ephesians 1:7 (KJV)
“In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace.”
>Colossians 1:13-14 (KJV)
“Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: in whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.”
Redemption means:
• Bought back from slavery to sin and Satan.
• Forgiven of all past, present, and future sins.
This is a key in-Christ reality—there is no more condemnation (Romans 8:1).

6. Seated with Christ in Heavenly Places

Ephesians 2:6 (KJV)
“And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.”
>The believer is not only saved but also exalted spiritually:
• Seated with Christ denotes a place of authority, rest, and intimacy.
• This spiritual positioning empowers the believer to live above sin, fear, and satanic oppression.

7. Indwelt by the Holy Spirit

Romans 8:9 (KJV)
“But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you…”
The in-Christ life includes being indwelt, led, and empowered by the Holy Spirit:
• The Holy Spirit becomes our comforter, teacher, and guarantee of future glory (Ephesians 1:13-14).
• This means the believer has supernatural resources for daily living and victory.

8. Dead to Sin and Alive to God

Romans 6:11 (KJV)
“Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
>In Christ:
• We are dead to the power and reign of sin.
• We are alive to the purposes, voice, and presence of God.
>The believer is no longer a slave to sin but has the power to say “No” to sin and “Yes” to righteousness.

9. Blessed with All Spiritual Blessings

Ephesians 1:3 (KJV)
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.”
>“In-Christ Realities” include:
• Peace, joy, favor, grace, wisdom, and protection.
• We don’t need to chase blessings—they are already ours in Christ.

10. Victorious and More Than a Conqueror

Romans 8:37 (KJV)
“Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.”
>1 John 5:4 (KJV)
“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world…”
The believer in Christ has overcoming power:
• Over sin, fear, demons, and the world.
• Victory is not a future promise—it is a present spiritual reality.

11. A Holy Nation and Royal Priesthood

1 Peter 2:9 (KJV)
“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people…”
In Christ:
• We are set apart, consecrated, and given priestly access to God.
• We are called to offer spiritual sacrifices—worship, service, and evangelism.

12. Light of the World and Salt of the Earth

Matthew 5:14-16 (KJV)
“Ye are the light of the world… Let your light so shine before men…”
In Christ:
• We are agents of influence, bringing God’s truth and life to a dark world.
• Our identity empowers us to impact culture, communities, and families.

13. Citizens of Heaven

Philippians 3:20 (KJV)
“For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour…”
Being in Christ means we are pilgrims on earth. Our true citizenship is in heaven. This gives us a higher identity and eternal perspective.

14. Heirs of Eternal Life

1 John 5:11-12 (KJV)
“And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.”
Eternal life is not just a future hope—it’s a present possession for every believer in Christ.

15. One with Christ

John 15:5 (KJV)
“I am the vine, ye are the branches…”
1 Corinthians 6:17 (KJV)
“But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.”
This union means:
• Christ’s life flows in us.
• We are inseparably connected to His strength, wisdom, and victory.

How to Live in These Realities

1. Believe the Word—Faith is the key. Don’t depend on feelings.
2. Renew Your Mind—Romans 12:2 says to be transformed by renewing your mind to God’s truth.
3. Confess Your Identity—Speak God’s Word over your life daily.
4. Walk in the Spirit—Let the Holy Spirit guide your decisions.
5. Reject Condemnation—Romans 8:1 says there is no condemnation for those in Christ.

CONCLUSION

The realities of being in Christ are powerful, transformative, and eternal. They redefine who we are and how we live. Every believer must grow in understanding and actively walk in these truths. Your identity is not in your background, your mistakes, or your achievements—it is found in Christ alone.
As Paul writes in Colossians 3:3:
“For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.”
To live in Christ is to live in freedom, power, holiness, and purpose. This is the believer’s inheritance. This is the life Jesus died to give.

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Written By Sodeinde Damilola