“To be found in Him…” Philipians 3:9
Every believer in Jesus Christ confesses that all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6). We know that the righteousness of God comes not by our works but by the faith of Jesus Christ. And only those who are in Christ by faith have the righteousness of God which was merited by the faith of Christ (Romans 3:22; Galatians 2:16;20). Therefore, as Paul desired to be found IN Christ, even so, does every believer have the same desire. For to be in Christ is to be as safe as Noah was in the Ark; as safe as the man-slayer was in the city of refuge, and as sure as Christ is in God (John 14:20).
To be in Christ is the closest possible union we can have to God and is the only source of communion with God. To be in Christ is to be accepted by God, justified by God, and sanctified by the Spirit of God. Therefore we, like Paul, desire to have nothing but Jesus Christ to be our all (1 Corinthians 1:30)!
Let us who in Christ rejoice for IN Him we are safe, happy, and sure to receive all the promises of God; “For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us” (2 Corinthians 1:20).
We are persuaded that Christ is all our life and peace with God. For Christ alone has accomplished our redemption and brought in everlasting righteousness (Daniel 9:24).
Are you IN Christ? Is this your desire to be found only IN Him? If death comes to you, will it find you in Christ? If the justice of God finds you, will it find you in Christ? In Christ, there is no death. IN Christ there is no condemnation. In Christ, there is no threatening or wrath of God but only forgiveness, pardon peace, and love (John 11:25; Romans 8:1; Isaiah 53:11; Psalm 103:1-4)!
I know it is all my daily desire and prayer to be “found in Christ not having my own righteousness, but that which is by the faith of Christ.”
-Fred Evans
