Author's Note: All previous volumes of this series are here. The first 56 volumes are compiled into the book "Bible Study For Those Who Don't Read The Bible." "Part Two," featuring volumes 57-113, was published in December.
Thanks for joining our study. Today, we discuss “Christ in you” since it is a relevant post-Easter/Resurrection Sunday topic. (See Vol. 160 about my crusade to change the name of Easter to Resurrection Sunday.)
Here to offer a dramatic opening statement (a memorable special replay) is our Divine guest — Jesus Christ, star of Resurrection Sunday — who supports the name change. He said:
“‘Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you’” (John 14:19-20.)
In case there is any confusion about what Jesus meant when He said, “Before long” and “On that day,” — He was referencing His forthcoming Resurrection. Furthermore, although unstated, Jesus knows His Resurrection will be a game changer for His disciples and the world forever.
Also, on replay, our “Divine guest” requotes selected verses from an extended prayer that comprises all of John Chapter 17. There, in part, and immediately before He was arrested, Jesus prayed to His Father about believers:
“‘My prayer is not for them [believers] alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.’” Jesus continues:
“‘I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one — I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me’” (John 17:20-23).
Jesus is telling us (through this prayer with His Father) about a unique and profound relationship fundamental to our faith that brings “complete unity” - God in Jesus - Jesus in us. God sent Jesus, whom He loves, out of love for us.
Take a moment and pray about this triad connection: God - Jesus - You. Then, ask yourself: How do I operationalize this connection? How does it impact my daily life? How should it affect my life and relationships with others?
As an aside, when Jesus prayed about “complete unity,” there was a double meaning. He also warned about future hostile divisions among believers because Jesus knows the divisive nature of humankind.
Now let’s review what St. Paul wrote about the life-changing concept of “Christ in You.” What follows is one of Paul’s most famous verses that helps us to internalize the “God in Jesus, Jesus in you “ connection:
“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).
Paul proclaimed our connection to the suffering Jesus endured on the cross for our sins. Therefore, we must strive to live our human life without sin and with faith in Jesus while looking forward to spending eternity with Him.
Turning to Paul’s book of Ephesians, although he was suffering (likely imprisoned in Rome), he wrote:
“I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory” (Ephesians 3:13). Thus, keep handy the following motivational pep talk-like verses when life is not going your way:
“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge — that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:16-19).
Paul’s stunningly beautifully crafted message never loses its potency. When your spirits need lifting, remember to unleash Christ’s power that dwells within your inner being and allow His truth to strengthen you.
Furthermore, last week in Vol. 161, we discussed the Glory of God, and I wrote how the following verse about believing that Christ in you “gives me chills.” It reads:
“.. God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory ” (Colossians 1:27).
Henceforth, we should never fear death because, as believers, we will be resurrected with “the hope of glory” to spend eternal life with Him. Nothing could be more glorious!
Moreover, in the book 1 John, a verse offers an instruction manual about HOW to live with Christ in you. In large part, this verse answers the earlier questions about which I suggested you pray:
“The one who keeps God’s commands lives in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us” (1 John 3:24). More reason to remember to keep those Ten Commandments — the key to “Christ in you.” (See Vol. 150.)
Since I try to keep Jesus dwelling within me, I will share what I do every evening when my head hits the pillow — I visualize His Face. I find this visualization very comforting, during which I communicate my prayers and concerns. Try it tonight. He is there, “He lives in us.” Amen!
Myra Kahn Adams is a conservative political and religious writer with numerous national credits. Her book, "Bible Study For Those Who Don't Read The Bible," reprints the first 56 volumes of this popular study. "Part 2,” with the same title, reprints Vols. 57-113. Order it here.
Myra is also the Executive Director of SignFromGod.org and the National Shroud of Turin Exhibit. Both are donor-supported ministries dedicated to education about the Shroud of Turin. See Shroud exhibit news and a life-sized replica in Washington, D.C. Contact: MyraAdams01@gmail.com