“But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God–and righteousness and sanctification and redemption” (1 Cor. 1:30).
The preceding verses in this context describe how God chooses the “weak and foolish things” to put to shame the values of this fallen world (1 Cor. 1:23-29).
“Of Him you are in Christ Jesus” indicates that salvation is a work of God’s grace from beginning to end (Eph. 2:4-10). We owe everything to our Savior’s loving kindness!
Through the new birth, we have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenlies! (Eph. 1:3) These blessings are due to our being transferred out of Adam’s fallen line and into Christ’s spiritual line (Col. 1:13,14; Rom. 5:15ff). As true believers we are “in Christ”!
Consider four blessings in Christ.
1. In Christ, we have WISDOM.
Instead of the twisted wisdom of this age, we have God’s true eternal perspective. In Christ are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge (Col. 2:3). Draw upon Christ for the wisdom you need!
2. In Christ, we have RIGHTEOUSNESS.
Although our own efforts at righteousness are soiled (Isaiah 64:6), in Christ we are clothed with the very righteousness of God. This standing of justification is by grace through faith (Phil. 3:9; 2 Cor. 5:21). Rejoice that you are clothed with a pure garment before a holy God![1]
3. In Christ, we have SANCTIFICATION.
We are set apart for God the moment of our conversion. Hebrews 10:10 states “By that will [God’s will] we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” That is why we are called saints! (1 Cor. 1:2). Yet, we are called to continually progress in our experience of holiness. That is why the writer of Hebrews goes on to mention, “For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified (Heb. 10:14; See 1 Cor. 7:1). Do you find this challenge beyond your ability? Welcome to the club! Look to Christ for His life to be expressed through you. He is your sanctification!
4. In Christ, we have REDEMPTION.
As believers we have been bought with a price–the precious blood of Jesus (1 Pet. 1:18,19). Although we deserve no favor in Adam’s line, Christ’s atonement declares us supremely valuable in the eyes of God. That is what counts! Through redemption we are set free from sin’s penalty and power (Rom. 6:11, 23). Reckon this true in your life, because it is true!
Made free! Made free in Jesus;
Deep planted in His death,
He liberates His life power,
And breathes His Spirit’s breath,
Then, waxing strong in Spirit,
With force of quickening life,
The soul and body governed,
Its members cease from strife.
Made free! Made free in Jesus;
Joined to the Risen One,
By conflict prayer you triumph,
And claim the victory won.
Freed with His glorious freedom,
Above the darkness rife;
For now the law of sin and death
Is conquered by His life.” [2]
Our Savior, how can we thank You enough for the infinite blessings we have through true faith in Christ? Help us to treasure Your gifts to us–wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. In Christ we live and pray, amen.
[1] Additionally, God’s work of regeneration in the believer makes him righteous in his spirit as “the new man” (Col. 3:10). See “Made Right to Live Right; A Study of Justification“
[2] M.M. Quoted by Jessie Penn-Lewis in Soul and Spirit, (CLC).
For a more in-depth study of these four blessings, see Grace Notes: “Christ, Our Wisdom“,”Christ, Our Righteousness,” “Christ, Our Sanctification,” and “Christ, Our Redemption.”
Grace Notes (c) 1998 by John Woodward. Permission is granted to reprint this article for non commercial use. Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, New King James Version (c) 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Capital letters in Scripture quotations are for added emphasis.