IN CHRIST

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. (Ephesians 1:3)

<a href="http://songsfromscripture.bandcamp.com/album/arise-my-soul">Arise My Soul by Abe &amp; Liza Philip</a>

Themes: The Believer's Identity in Christ, Confidence in God's Promises, Heidelberg Catechism

free chord chart

LYRICS

When my strength is gone
And my weary heart is breaking
I will never walk alone
You are with me still

I am not forsaken
I will not be shaken

I am redeemed
I am loved
I am purchased with blood
I am forgiven and free
Heaven waits for me
If I live or I die
Every blessing is mine
In Christ
In Christ

I am not my own
To my faithful Savior I belong
So no matter what may come
You are with me still

BRIDGE
Holy, Accepted
Adopted, Protected
Surrounded by mercy
Now destined for glory

Chosen and Righteous
Complete in Christ Jesus
Made strong in my weakness
Alive and Victorious

Perfect, Enlightened
But nothing without Him
For all that I am is in Christ

Guest Vocals: Aaron Bauer

THE WORD IN THE WORDS

When my strength is gone
And my weary heart is breaking

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. (Psalm 34:18)

I will never walk alone
You are with me still

The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid.What can mere mortals do to me? The Lord is with me; he is my helper. I look in triumph on my enemies. (Psalm 118:6-7)

PRE-CHORUS
I am not forsaken

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)

I will not be shaken

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken. (Psalm 55:22)

CHORUS
I am redeemed

Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us (Galatians 3:13a)

I am loved

This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. (1 John 4:10)

I am purchased with blood

And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. (Revelation 5:9)

I am forgiven

...your sins have been forgiven on account of his name. (1 John 2:12)

and free

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1)

Heaven waits for me

For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. (2 Corinthians 5:1)

If I live or I die

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. (Philippians 1:21)

Every blessing is mine

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. (Ephesians 1:3)

In Christ, In Christ

(Please scroll down if you'd like to see the related verses right away. But we saved the (very long!) list of references for "IN CHRIST" for the end of this song. It is truly breathtaking to see just how often this phrase is found in the New Testament.)

VERSE TWO
This verse is taken from the beginning of the Heidelberg Catechism written in 1563. It's well worth reading as a warm, thoughtful and biblical confession of the Christian faith. This is the very first question and answer of the Heidelberg Catechism used in this song:

Q. What is your only comfort in life and in death?
A. That I am not my own, but belong—body and soul, in life and in death—to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ...

I am not my own

Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, which you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you were bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

To my faithful Savior I belong

and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God. (1 Corinthians 3:23)

So no matter what may come
You are with me still

We do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves. If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ died and lived again, so that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living. (Romans 14:7-9)

BRIDGE
Holy

We have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. (Hebrews 10:10)

Accepted

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. (Romans 15:7)

Adopted

For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading to fear again, but you have received a spirit of adoption as sons by which we cry out, “Abba! Father!” (Romans 8:15) / But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as sons. (Galatians 4:4-5) / Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. (John 1:12-13)

Protected

The LORD will keep you from all harm-- he will watch over your life (Psalm 21:7)

Surrounded by mercy

But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. (Titus 3:4-5)

Now destined for glory

an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you (1 Peter 1:4)

Chosen

In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will (Ephesians 1:11)

and Righteous

found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. (Philippians 3:9)

Complete in Christ Jesus

...in Him you have been made complete...(Colossians 2:10a)

Made strong in my weakness

That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, ...For when I am weak, then I am strong. (2 Corinthians 12:10)

Alive

When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. (Colossians 2:13)

and Victorious

we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. (Romans 8:37)

Perfect

However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness. (Romans 4:5)

Enlightened

Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, "I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life." (John 8:12) / I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you will know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints (Ephesians 1:18)

But nothing without Him

"I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5)

For all that I am is in Christ

For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord (2 Corinthians 4:5)

I N C H R I ST

Not just once or twice, but over 80 times (!) did God see fit to put the phrase "IN CHRIST" in His Word. For all who believe, come and revel in who you are and whose you are:

ACTS
After some days Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, and he sent for Paul and heard him speak about faith IN CHRIST Jesus. (Acts 24:24)

ROMANS
justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is IN CHRIST Jesus, (Romans 3:24) Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned—(Romans 5:12) In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God IN CHRIST Jesus. (Romans 6:11) For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life IN CHRIST Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23) There is now no condemnation for those who are IN CHRIST Jesus (Romans 8:1) neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is IN CHRIST Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:39) so IN CHRIST we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. (Romans 12:5) Therefore I glory IN CHRIST Jesus in my service to God. (Romans 15:17) Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my co-workers IN CHRIST Jesus. (Romans 16:3) Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were IN CHRIST before I was. (Romans 16:7) Greet Urbanus, our co-worker IN CHRIST, and my dear friend Stachys. (Romans 16:9)

1 & 2 CORINTHIANS
To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified IN CHRIST Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours: (1 Corinthians 1:2) I always thank my God for you because of his grace given you IN CHRIST Jesus (1 Corinthians 1:4) It is because of him that you are IN CHRIST Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. (1 Corinthians 1:30) Even if you had ten thousand guardians IN CHRIST, you do not have many fathers, for IN CHRIST Jesus I became your father through the gospel. (1 Corinthians 4:15) For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life IN CHRIST Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church. (1 Corinthians 4:17) Then those also who have fallen asleep IN CHRIST are lost. (1 Corinthians 15:18) If only for this life we have hope IN CHRIST, we are of all people most to be pitied. (1 Corinthians 15:19) For as in Adam all die, so IN CHRIST all will be made alive.(1 Corinthians 15:22) I face death every day—yes, just as surely as I boast about you IN CHRIST Jesus our Lord. (1 Corinthians 15:31) My love to all of you IN CHRIST Jesus. Amen. (1 Corinthians 16:24) For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” IN CHRIST. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. (2 Corinthians 1:20) Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm IN CHRIST. He anointed us (2 Corinthians 1:21) But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives IN CHRIST’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. (2 Corinthians 2:14) Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, IN CHRIST we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God. (2 Corinthians 2:17) But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only IN CHRIST is it taken away. (2 Corinthians 3:14) Therefore, if anyone is IN CHRIST, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! (2 Corinthians 5:17) that God was reconciling the world to himself IN CHRIST, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. (2 Corinthians 5:19) I know a man IN CHRIST who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. (2 Corinthians 12:2) Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves to you? We have been speaking in the sight of God as those IN CHRIST; and everything we do, dear friends, is for your strengthening. (2 Corinthians 12:19)

GALATIANS
This matter arose because some false believers had infiltrated our ranks to spy on the freedom we have IN CHRIST Jesus and to make us slaves. (Galatians 2:4) know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith IN CHRIST Jesus that we may be justified by faith IN CHRIST and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified. (Galatians 2:16) So IN CHRIST Jesus you are all children of God through faith, (Galatians 3:26) for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. (Galatians 3:27) There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one IN CHRIST Jesus. (Galatians 3:28) For IN CHRIST Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love. (Galatians 5:6)

EPHESIANS
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To God’s holy people in Ephesus, the faithful IN CHRIST Jesus: (Ephesians 1:1) Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing IN CHRIST. (Ephesians 1:3) he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed IN CHRIST (Ephesians 1:9) in order that we, who were the first to put our hope IN CHRIST, might be for the praise of his glory. (Ephesians 1:13) And you also were included IN CHRIST when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, (Ephesians 2:6-7) And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms IN CHRIST Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us IN CHRIST Jesus. (Ephesians 2:10) For we are God’s handiwork, created IN CHRIST Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. (Ephesians 2:13) But now IN CHRIST Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise IN CHRIST Jesus. (Ephesians 3:6) according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished IN CHRIST Jesus our Lord. (Ephesians 3:11) Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as IN CHRIST God forgave you.(Ephesians 4:32)

PHILIPPIANS
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all God’s holy people IN CHRIST Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: (Philippians 1:1) so that through my being with you again your boasting IN CHRIST Jesus will abound on account of me (Philippians 1:26) For it is we who are the circumcision, we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast IN CHRIST Jesus, and who put no confidence in the flesh—(Philippians 3:3) and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith IN CHRIST—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith (Philippians 3:9) I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward IN CHRIST Jesus. (Philippians 3:14) And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds IN CHRIST Jesus. (Philippians 4:7) And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory IN CHRIST Jesus. (Philippians 4:19) Greet all God’s people IN CHRIST Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me send greetings. (Philippians 4:21)

COLOSSIANS
To God’s holy people in Colossae, the faithful brothers and sisters IN CHRIST: Grace and peace to you from God our Father. (Colossians 1:2) because we have heard of your faith IN CHRIST Jesus and of the love you have for all God’s people—(Colossians 1:4) He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature IN CHRIST. (Colossians 1:28) So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, (Colossians 2:6) For IN CHRIST all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, (Colossians 2:9) and IN CHRIST you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.
(Colossians 2:10) These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found IN CHRIST. (Colossians 2:17)

1 THESSALONIANS
For you, brothers and sisters, became imitators of God’s churches in Judea, which are IN CHRIST Jesus: You suffered from your own people the same things those churches suffered from the Jews
(1 Thessalonians 2:14) For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead IN CHRIST will rise first.
(1 Thessalonians 4:16) give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you IN CHRIST Jesus. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

1 & 2 TIMOTHY
The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are IN CHRIST Jesus. (1 Timothy 1:14) Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith IN CHRIST Jesus. (1 Timothy 3:13) Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, in keeping with the promise of life that is IN CHRIST Jesus, (2 Timothy 1:1) He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us IN CHRIST Jesus before the beginning of time,(2 Timothy 1:9) What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love IN CHRIST Jesus. (2 Timothy 1:13) You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is IN CHRIST Jesus. (2 Timothy 2:1) Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is IN CHRIST Jesus, with eternal glory. (2 Timothy 2:10) In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life IN CHRIST Jesus will be persecuted, (2 Timothy 3:12) and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith IN CHRIST Jesus. (2 Timothy 3:15) Accordingly, though I am bold enough IN CHRIST to command you to do what is required,

PHILEMON
(Philemon 1:8) Yes, brother, I want some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart IN CHRIST. (Philemon 1:20) Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends greetings to you, (Philemon 1:23)

HEBREWS
We have come to share IN CHRIST, if indeed we hold our original conviction firmly to the very end. (Hebrews 3:14)

1 PETER
having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. (1 Peter 3:16) And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory IN CHRIST, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.(1 Peter 5:10) Peace to all of you who are IN CHRIST.
(1 Peter 5:14)

DEVOTIONAL

“Looking unto Jesus.” Hebrews 12:2

It is ever the Holy Spirit’s work to turn our eyes away from self to Jesus; but Satan’s work is just the opposite of this, for he is constantly trying to make us regard ourselves instead of Christ. He insinuates, “Your sins are too great for pardon; you have no faith; you do not repent enough; you will never be able to continue to the end; you have not the joy of his children; you have such a wavering hold of Jesus.” All these are thoughts about self, and we shall never find comfort or assurance by looking within. But the Holy Spirit turns our eyes entirely away from self: he tells us that we are nothing, but that “Christ is all in all.” Remember, therefore, it is not your hold of Christ that saves you—it is Christ; it is not your joy in Christ that saves you—it is Christ; it is not even faith in Christ, though that be the instrument—it is Christ’s blood and merits; therefore, look not so much to your hand with which you are grasping Christ, as to Christ; look not to your hope, but to Jesus, the source of your hope; look not to your faith, but to Jesus, the author and finisher of your faith. We shall never find happiness by looking at our prayers, our doings, or our feelings; it is what Jesus is, not what we are, that gives rest to the soul. If we would at once overcome Satan and have peace with God, it must be by “looking unto Jesus.” Keep thine eye simply on him; let his death, his sufferings, his merits, his glories, his intercession, be fresh upon your mind; when you wake in the morning look to him; when you lie down at night look to him. Oh! let not your hopes or fears come between you and Jesus; follow hard after him, and he will never fail you.
“My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus’ blood and righteousness:
I dare not trust the sweetest frame,
But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.”

“Perfect in Christ Jesus.” Colossians 1:28

Do you not feel in your own soul that perfection is not in you? Does not every day teach you that? Every tear which trickles from your eye, weeps “imperfection”; every harsh word which proceeds from your lip, mutters “imperfection.” You have too frequently had a view of your own heart to dream for a moment of any perfection in yourself. But amidst this sad consciousness of imperfection, here is comfort for you—you are “perfect in Christ Jesus.” In God’s sight, you are “complete in him;” even now you are “accepted in the Beloved.” But there is a second perfection, yet to be realized, which is sure to all the seed. Is it not delightful to look forward to the time when every stain of sin shall be removed from the believer, and he shall be presented faultless before the throne, without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing? The Church of Christ then will be so pure, that not even the eye of Omniscience will see a spot or blemish in her; so holy and so glorious, that Hart did not go beyond the truth when he said—“With my Saviour’s garments on, Holy as the Holy One.” Then shall we know, and taste, and feel the happiness of this vast but short sentence, “Complete in Christ.” Not till then shall we fully comprehend the heights and depths of the salvation of Jesus. Does not your heart leap for joy at the thought of it? Black as you are, you shall be white one day; filthy as you are, you shall be clean. Oh, it is a marvellous salvation this! Christ takes a worm and transforms it into an angel; Christ takes a black and deformed thing and makes it clean and matchless in his glory, peerless in his beauty, and fit to be the companion of seraphs. O my soul, stand and admire this blessed truth of perfection in Christ.

“He that comes to me I will never cast out.” John 6:37

No limit is set to the duration of this promise. It does not merely say, “I will not cast out a sinner at his first coming,” but, “I will in no wise cast out.” The original reads, “I will not, not cast out,” or “I will never, never cast out.” The text means, that Christ will not at first reject a believer; and that as he will not do it at first, so he will not to the last. But suppose the believer sins after coming? “If any man sin we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” But suppose that believers backslide? “I will heal their backsliding, I will love them freely: for mine anger is turned away from him.” But believers may fall under temptation! “God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are
able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” But the believer may fall into sin as David did! Yes, but he will “Purge them with hyssop, and they shall be clean; he will wash them and they shall be whiter than snow”; “From all their iniquities will I cleanse them.” “Once in Christ, in Christ for ever, Nothing from his love can sever.” “I give unto my sheep,” saith he, “eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” What say you to this, O trembling feeble mind? Is not this a precious mercy, that coming to Christ, you dost not come to One who will treat you well for a little while, and then send you about your business, but he will receive you and make you his bride, and you shalt be his for ever? Receive no longer the spirit of bondage again to fear, but the spirit of adoption whereby you shalt cry, Abba, Father! Oh! the grace of these words: “I will in no wise cast out.”

“Accepted in the beloved.” Ephesians 1:6

What a state of privilege! It includes our justification before God, but the term “acceptance” in the Greek means more than that. It signifies that we are the objects of divine complacence, nay, even of divine delight. How marvellous that we, worms, mortals, sinners, should be the objects of divine love! But it is only “in the beloved.” Some Christians seem to be accepted in their own experience, at least, that is their apprehension. When their spirit is lively, and their hopes bright, they think God accepts them, for they feel so high, so heavenly-minded, so drawn above the earth! But when their souls cleave to the dust, they are the victims of the fear that they are no longer accepted. If they could but see that all their high joys do not exalt them, and all their low despondencies do not really depress them in their Father’s sight, but that they stand accepted in One who never alters, in One who is always the beloved of God, always perfect, always without spot or wrinkle, or any such thing, how much happier they would be, and how much more they would honour the Saviour! Rejoice then, believer, in this: you are accepted “in the beloved.” You look within, and you say, “There is nothing acceptable here!” But look at Christ, and see if there is not everything acceptable there. Your sins trouble you; but God has cast your sins behind his back, and you are accepted in the Righteous One. You hast to fight with corruption, and to wrestle with temptation, but you are already accepted in him who has overcome the powers of evil. The devil tempts you; be of good cheer, he cannot destroy you, for you are accepted in him who has broken Satan’s head. Know by full assurance your glorious standing. Even glorified souls are not more accepted than you are. They are only accepted in heaven “in the beloved,” and you are even now accepted in Christ after the same manner.

“Babes in Christ.” 1 Corinthians 3:1

Are you mourning, believer, because you are so weak in the divine life: because your faith is so little, your love so feeble? Cheer up, for you have cause for gratitude. Remember that in some things you are equal to the greatest and most full-grown Christian. You are as much bought with blood as he is. You are as much an adopted child of God as any other believer. An infant is as truly a child of its parents as is the full-grown man. You are as completely justified, for your justification is not a thing of degrees: your little faith has made you clean every whit. You have as much right to the precious things of the covenant as the most advanced believers, for your right to covenant mercies lies not in your growth, but in the covenant itself; and your faith in Jesus is not the measure, but the token of your inheritance in him. You are as rich as the richest, if not in enjoyment, yet in real possession. The smallest star that gleams is set in heaven; the faintest ray of light has affinity with the great orb of day. In the family register of glory the small and the great are written with the same pen. You are as dear to your Father’s heart as the greatest in the family. Jesus is very tender over you. You are like the smoking flax; a rougher spirit would say, “put out that smoking flax, it fills the room with an offensive odour!” but the smoking flax he will not quench. You are like a bruised reed; and any less tender hand than that of the Chief Musician would tread upon you or throw you away, but he will never break the bruised reed. Instead of being downcast by reason of what you are, you should triumph in Christ. Am I but little in Israel? Yet in Christ I am made to sit in heavenly places. Am I poor in faith? Still in Jesus I am heir of all things. Though “less than nothing I can boast, and vanity confess.” yet, if the root of the matter be in me I will rejoice in the Lord, and glory in the God of my salvation.

“So walk ye in him.” Colossians 2:6

If we have received Christ himself in our inmost hearts, our new life will manifest its intimate acquaintance with him by a walk of faith in him. Walking implies action. Our religion is not to be confined to our closet; we must carry out into practical effect that which we believe. If a man walks in Christ, then he so acts as Christ would act; for Christ being in him, his hope, his love, his joy, his life, he is the reflex of the image of Jesus; and men say of that man, “He is like his Master; he lives like Jesus Christ.” Walking signifies progress. “So walk ye in him”; proceed from grace to grace, run forward until you reach the uttermost degree of knowledge that a man can attain concerning our Beloved. Walking implies continuance. There must be a perpetual abiding in Christ. How many Christians think that in the morning and evening they ought to come into the company of Jesus, and may then give their hearts to the world all the day: but this is poor living; we should always be with him, treading in his steps and doing his will. Walking also implies habit. When we speak of a man’s walk and conversation, we mean his habits, the constant tenor of his life. Now, if we sometimes enjoy Christ, and then forget him; sometimes call him ours, and anon lose our hold, that is not a habit; we do not walk in him. We must keep to him, cling to him, never let him go, but live and have our being in him. “As ye have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him”; persevere in the same way in which ye have begun, and, as at the first Christ Jesus was the trust of your faith, the source of your life, the principle of your action, and the joy of your spirit, so let him be the same till life’s end; the same when you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, and enter into the joy and the rest which remain for the people of God. O Holy Spirit, enable us to obey this heavenly precept.

- Charles Spurgeon