“If anyone is in Christ, they have become a part of the new creation order” (2Cor.5:17). “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ” (Rom.8:1). “Your real life is hidden with Christ in God” (Col.3:14).
Lord Jesus, only once a year do Americans receive a “state of the union” address from their president, and that happened last night. But every time we hear, ponder, and marinate in the Gospel, we are actually getting a “state of our union with Christ” address from you, our loving King. It’s an “address” we need on a daily—sometimes hourly, basis.
You’re not “up there,” and we’re not “down here.” You live inside of us as our hope of glory (Col.1:27), and our lives are safely hidden in yours (Col.3:3). Through the Gospel, you have given us the most intimate, enriching, unbreakable relationship with yourself imaginable.
Husband to beloved wife (Eph.5:22-33), Vine to life-receiving branches (Jn.15:5), Cornerstone and Capstone to living stones becoming a sanctuary of grace (1Pet.2:5, Eph.2:19-22))—this is how you define your relationship with us, Jesus. We believe; free us from our unbelief. Help us see how our “in-Christ-ness” now defines us more than anything else.
In union with you, we are forgiven, righteous, and beloved—because you are our “righteousness, holiness, and redemption” (1Cor.1:30). Our days, hairs, and pains are numbered by you. You have called us, love us, and will keep us all the way Home (Jude 1:1). Oh, Jesus, free us. We want to be and live more fully alive to the implications of these peace-giving, fear-toppling, hope-fueling realities. So Very Amen.