1 John 2:4 He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.

A friend on facebook posted all the states she had visited. This led me to think about what it means to be in Christ. I have driven thru Arkansas many times but I have never stopped there. Does that mean that I have been to Arkansas? I’ve never even as much as bought gas, a meal, or even a drink there. I enjoyed the scenery but does that mean I have been to Arkansas?

I see being in Christ that way. Just because you read the bible does not mean you are in Christ. Just because you pray for people does not mean you are in Christ. Just because you obey the law does not mean you are in Christ. Those are only drive thru moments.

1 John 2:6 He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked.

Some might make claims that they have been to Arkansas because they have done work in Arkansas and the people of that state received the benefit of that work. OK, if that is the case then why did Jesus say to some who call Him Lord and had done great works, “Get away from me you workers of iniquity, I do not know you.” Ref. Luke 13:27

I was born in Maine and I moved to Texas in December 1967. I love Texas. I love in Texas. I am a Texan not by birth but by adoption. I abide in Texas. I never want to leave Texas.

Being in Christ is more about loving Christ enough to move in and establish residency. Being in Christ isn’t a drive thru experience. It isn’t a visit on Sunday.

Isaiah 53:4-6 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Yesterday I vented over decades of pain, keeping it inside and not being able to find forgiveness.

I took it to the Lord and asked Him to help me find forgiveness. He showed me His cross. The pain on His face was mine. Then I saw the truth, if my sins were nailed to the cross then so were the sins of my offender.

If I am to accept Jesus died to forgive my sins, then He also died for the forgiveness of sins for my offender. Only at the cross can I find forgiveness. It is not within me to find the strength to forgive. In Christ and Christ alone can I find forgiveness.

If Christ be in me, then I have to accept by faith the forgiveness that is not earned or deserved for my offender, because I was not worthy either.

I cried in that moment, for my Lord, for the pain and suffering we all made Him endure. We all share in that, those that were in rebellion and those who are still in rebellion.

Jesus said, “Here is your forgiveness.”

Seeing all that we put Him thru, how could I say no?