Upon learning what my Union in Christ meant, in time learning more about my Position in Christ, I don’t think there are in two words that have – at least for me – become more precious to hear, see in print, or say then the words “in Christ.” I never weary hearing this truth explained and expounded. The mere thought of being “in Christ” and all that that it implies both humbles and exalts the soul in proportions as the depth of its understanding advances. The opening half sentence in the consideration below is enough to ponder alone for its worth and infinite value, “Since justification is in Christ and not in ourselves,” — “not in ourselves,” “not in ourselves,” but “in Christ!” Dear ones, it is never about use, it’s all about Him, and it is in Him that we find our all and all. To paraphrase the ancient axiom of Augustine, “Our hearts where made for Him, and we are restless until we find our rest in Him.” I pray this reality comes to you as you continue in your consideration of these things. Your Position in Christ is a most valued treasure.
In the wondrous blessings of Christ,
Joe
Neh. 8:10, Isa. 30:15 & Job 2:10
***************************
Chapter 20—Justification and Assurance Continued….
Since justification is in Christ and not in ourselves, it is a truth of position, not condition. We receive justification in the Lord Jesus by faith in the Word; it is a fact believed, not an experience received. It has nothing to do with our condition, but everything to do with our position. However, as we rest in our justified position, our spiritual condition is affected. We experience something of the newfound peace and joy of the Lord, and His love for us.
Assurance
The blessed assurance of salvation, and of justification in particular, is based squarely upon our position in the Lord Jesus as our righteousness. Being non-experiential, justification can never be founded upon our condition. Assurance of justification results when we realize what our Father has done and said; it is never based on feelings. Someone has said, “Because God has spoken, I am sure; because I am sure, I feel at rest.” “Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth” (Col. 3:2, NASB).
It is here that the first major mistake in our Christian life is often made. In taking the position of justification by faith in the Lord Jesus, this new standing of life began to make a marked difference in our state. Because of this, we shifted the basis of our assurance from eternal position to temporal condition. We looked, and felt, and sounded saved, hence we were assured of our salvation.
But then, one morning came the dawn! We didn’t look very saved, we didn’t feel at all saved, and so we didn’t sound saved either. All day long everything and everybody went wrong, and by nightfall we found ourselves at the end of our assurance. Thoroughly shaken, we determined to rectify matters on the morrow. The next day we strove to look saved, to feel saved, and to sound saved. But, because we were centered in our condition, all was wretched failure. We even began to question our salvation. “…If the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us?” (Judg. 6:13).
In the Lord’s time, the Comforter refocused our faith upon our position by means of the Word, and our assurance of salvation was again anchored upon the Rock, Christ Jesus. With this assurance reestablished, our condition began to improve as a result of the position in which we stood by faith. We had learned our first important lesson: the necessity of knowing and abiding in our position. Apart from this abiding, there is nothing but frustration and failure. “And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance for ever” (Isa. 32:17). …to be continued
