Beech Tree News Network

The phrase “with Christ” is found nine times in the Bible. We must study this phrase because it shows a fellowship that we can enjoy with our Lord. Let us look at some ways we can be “with Christ.”

First, we can be “dead with Christ.” In the book of Romans, the apostle Paul compares baptism to the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. In Romans 6, he asked the question, “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?” (Rom. 6:3). He also asked, “Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him” (Rom. 6:8).

How are we to be “dead with Christ”? Let the Bible answer. “We know that our old man was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin” (Rom. 6:6). As Christ died on the cross, so also our man of sin must be “crucified” (put to death). Therefore, we must crucify the old man to bring our lives in harmony with Christ!

We can also be “risen with Christ.” Just as Christ rose the third day, so too one who has died with Christ rises to walk “in newness of life” when he comes up out of the waters of baptism (Rom. 6:4). The apostle Paul wrote, “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God” (Col. 3:1). Being risen with Christ demands we have a new attitude about serving God, and life in general. This fact is proven in Colossians 3:2, “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on the earth.” Please read Colossians 3:5-17 and notice the complete change that one goes through as a result of obeying God’s plan of salvation. Being risen with Christ means a complete transformation! Sadly, many people are more worried about “things on earth” than the “things which are above” Beware!

We can be “joint-heirs with Christ.” Paul wrote, “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs — heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ …” (Rom. 8:16-17). These words should cut us to the heart! God and Christ loved us enough to create us, sustain us, and then allow us to be in Heaven for eternity. By obedience to God’s word, we can be a joint-heir with the Son of God! We can be glorified with the Son of God! What can compare to that? To experience this, we must first suffer with Him. Paul taught: “Indeed, all who desire to a live godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted” (II Tim. 3:12) Paul told the Philippians, “For it has been granted to us that for the sake of Christ you should not only believe in him but also suffer for his sake” (Phil. 1:29).

Do you want to be a joint-heir with Christ and enjoy Heaven? Then be buried with Him, and rise with Him in newness of life. You must endure hardships for a little while (II Cor. 4:17), but the result is eternal life and blessing with God. Will you do this for Christ after what He has done for you (Rom. 5:8)?

-- You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program 101.5 FM at 5:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167