There’s a lot of theologies in the world today. Among Christians there’s countless denominations, sub-divisions, and categories. So which one is right, if any?
When you stand before God, He’s not going to ask you which denomination you belong to, which version of the Bible you prefer, only one question will matter… Are you in Christ?
Now, the phrase being in Christ, is interpreted different ways by people, but the only thing that really matters is how being in Christ is defined in scripture; not a man’s opinion, not a human theology, not a doctrine of demons.
Today, let’s explore what being in Christ actually means, and dispel some of the falsehoods associated with the gospel.
The Lie of God’s House
Listen to typical Christians talk, and you will likely hear the phrase “God’s House” peppered in the vernacular. The implication (and sometimes explanation) is that the building that Christians attend is God’s House — that the physical four walls is where God lives, just like the Old Covenant temple.
Some Christians have expressed the thought that if they don’t regularly attend the church, God will be angry, and you won’t be able to talk to God without going to His house, or at the very least you won’t be able to be as close to Him as you could be.
But is this idea the truth. Is the idea of the church being God’s House actually found in scripture? For the answer lets look at Acts 7:46-48:
“ 46 Who found favor before God, and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob.
47 But Solomon built him an house.
48 However, the most High dwells not in temples made with hands; as said the prophet”
Notice specifically what verse 48 says here; the Most High does not dwell in temples made with human hands. The temple God dwells in is not a physical building, but the scripture also tells us where God does dwell, in 2nd Timothy 1:13-14:
“ 13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which you have heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.
14 That good thing which was committed to you keep by the Holy Spirit which dwells in us.”
So what we can see here is that the Holy Spirit dwells in us. And furthermore in Acts 17:24-25:
“ 24 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwells not in temples made with hands;
25 Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he gives to all life, and breath, and all things.”
Ephesians 1:22-23, tells us even more about where God dwells, and what the church actually is:
“ 22 And has put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church,
23 Which is his body, the fullness of him that fills all in all.”
My friends, as we can plainly see here, as a reinforcement, the true church is not a physical building, but the true church is the body of Jesus Christ, and who makes up the body of Christ today? 1st Corinthians 12:27 tells us the answer:
“Now you are the body of Christ, and members in particular.”
This verse is so very powerful, because not only does it show us that we indeed are the body of Christ, but also that we are members of His body. When you, dear Christian, will recognize this fact, you will truly begin to live your identity in Christ.
I encourage you today, to abandon the weak man-made religious traditions that hold so many captive, and start abiding in the true freedom that Jesus paid for you to have.
Join me again next time, as we continue our series, and thriving together in Christ.
Be blessed.
One response
Thank you.