In order to understand the words 'in Christ' and what they mean, we must first understand that it is a prepositional phrase. They act as adjectives or adverbs. As an adjective it answers the question 'which one'. As an adverb it answers the questions How, When or Where. We must look first to the nouns or verbs that this phrase modifies if we want to better understand it.
To begin with, there are many references with regards to people being able to be 'in Christ' which seems to answer the question Which One.
'them' in Christ
'one body' in Christ
'the Apostles' in Christ
'ye' or 'you' in Christ (3)
'they' in Christ
'us with you' in Christ
'us' in Christ (2)
'we' in Christ (5)
'man' in Christ (3)
'God' in Christ
'churches' in Christ (2)
'all' in Christ (3)
'the faithful' in Christ
'saints' in Christ
'every saint' in Christ
'brethren' in Christ
'dead' in Christ
'I' in Christ
'fellowprisoner' in Christ
'you all' in Christ
'helpers' in Christ (2)
So what can it mean that all of these people are 'in Christ'? And how exactly did they get there?
The bible says that people are 'baptized into Christ' and 'put on Christ'. To be baptized is to be fully 'emersed' in or 'washed', while to 'put on' speaks of clothing oneself with in the same manner as we put on the 'whole armor of God'.
Then there appears to be things that are found to be 'in Christ' that are for those who themselves are 'in Christ'. They seem to answer the question How, Where or Which One.
'faith' in Christ. (2)
'redemption' in Christ
'spirit of life' in Christ
'love of God' in Christ
'approved' in Christ
'sanctified' in Christ
'babes' in Christ
'wise' in Christ
'instructors' in Christ
'my ways' in Christ
'hope' in Christ
'rejoicing' in Christ
'my love' in Christ
'vail' done away in Christ
'simplicity' in Christ
'covenant' in Christ
'new creature' in Christ
'spiritual blessings' in Christ
'all things' in Christ
'power wrought' in Christ
'workmanship' in Christ
'promise' in Christ (2)
'the eternal purpose' in Christ
'my bonds' in Christ
'consolation' in Christ
'mind' in Christ
'prize' in Christ
'faith' in Christ (3)
'will of God' in Christ
'grace' with 'faith and love' in Christ
'purpose' and 'grace' in Christ
'faith' and 'love' in Christ
'grace' in Christ
'salvation' in Christ (2)
'conversation' in Christ (behavior)
The whole idea is that we have been begotten again to a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. We know that he was resurrected because he was sinless and death had no right to hold him. That we being 'washed' by the blood of Christ are no longer as we once were 'slaves to sin' but new creatures 'in Christ'. As Paul told the Corinthian believers "and such 'were' some of you but ye are washed". God having declared his righteousness in the manifestation of Jesus Christ, those who receive him as the Son of God who is the Lord and Savior, put on the Lord Jesus and walk in him as he is there righteousness. In doing so have also forsaken the Law 'for righteousness' and rely solely upon walking in the true righteousness of God which is after the manner of Jesus Christ.
To be 'in Christ' is to have had the baptism of repentance, becoming dead to sin having turned away from sin and toward God, that brings one into the body of Christ, where one puts on Christ and walks in him until death, where he becomes one of the dead 'in Christ' awaiting the resurrection of the just.
In Jesus Name,
Gary
