If any man be in Christ • Deshen Daily

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17, KJV)

Paul delineates humanity into two distinct groups in this passage: those who are in Christ and those who are not. For those in Christ, he describes a transformative reality: they are a new creation. But what does being “in Christ” truly mean?

The phrase “in Christ” is pivotal here, embodying a metaphor that suggests Christ as a realm or location where one can reside. The term “in” serves as a preposition indicating location, establishing a spatial relationship between entities. It evokes a metaphor of Christ as a sanctuary or habitation—a dwelling Place. This imagery is reminiscent of the Psalmist’s words,

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” (Psalm 91:1, KJV)

In this context, the “secret place” of the Old Testament is fulfilled by in Christ in the New Testament.

Understanding this metaphor invites us to explore how one enters this “place” and its spiritual significance.

“He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.” (John 6:56, KJV)

Jesus reveals the pathway into this sanctum—through faith in His sacrifice. To dwell in Christ means acknowledging His body broken for us and His blood shed for our redemption, culminating in His resurrection. This act of faith, regardless of one’s past, grants access to the divine sanctuary that is Christ. Isn’t that remarkable?

Spiritually, this “place” in Christ signifies a state of blessedness(such a happy one), where an individual, unified with Christ, becomes one with Him, sharing in both His nature and privileges as the Son of God. This union is so profound that Paul emphasizes a total recreation, marking believers as a distinct species of humanity.

Here’s the good news for you: if you’re a Christian, you’re dwelling in God’s secret place, Christ. And if peradventure you haven’t yet entered, doing so is straightforward: believe in Jesus today and embrace these blessings.