The phrase “In Christ” is found 90 times from Romans to 1 Peter, and forms the foundation of our identity as Christians.

The statement “in Christ” takes us back to the core relationship of Christ and His church. The redeemed are the bride of Christ (Jeremiah 3, Ezekiel 16, John 3, Ephesians 5, Revelation 19). This mystery is profound, and yet it is not a metaphor used just in a few places. The two shall become one flesh, and the idea of being the body of Christ is another frequent term used to describe the Church.

A large number of spiritual and doctrinal issues depend on us being in Christ. In Adam, all died. Historically, the Church has interpreted this in light of all people being created from Adam’s body, and thus were rather literally, “in Adam”. But in Christ, all were made alive–that is to say, all in Christ were made alive in Christ. And our redemption, our justification, our eternal inheritance, our present blessings, and our adoption as sons of God the Father all depend on us being in Christ, having Him as our head and lord.

When God the Father sent Christ to propitiate our sin, and to unite us to himself, all the infinite blessings of Christ have been copied to us. In fact, our very existence emanates from our status in Christ. He chose us in him before the creation of the world; in Christ you died; and in Christ you will be made alive. From eternity to eternity, we are in Christ.

All eternity centers on the fact that God sent his Son, because He loved His bride.