With Christ have I been crucified, yet I am living; No longer I, but living in me is Christ. Now that which I am now living in the flesh, I am living in faith that is of the Son of God, Who loves me, and gives Himself up for me.
Galatians 2: 20, Concordant New Testament
It has been said that the true test of our constitutions first amendment is that we do not support it that we might speak freely, but that those who we disagree with can. The rights which we celebrate do not only belong to us, but to all citizens regardless of their beliefs. As I was pondering that this week, I began to apply the same reasoning to another area as well. The apostle Paul, in Galatians, speaks to the reality of the indwelling Christ in us {Galatians 2:20}. Now, at first glance, the average believer might assume that Paul was speaking only to those who were followers of Christ Jesus. But is this the case for Jesus? Do we have Christ in us only after we prove ourselves worthy? If this were the case, then damn few people would be able to proclaim the indwelling Jesus in them. What would the standard be for having that indwelling Christ in us? Who would be found worthy? Thankfully, through the love and mercy of the Father, we need not worry about whether of not we have Jesus. We can speak with confidence the same words Paul spoke, living in me is Christ! Yet, whether we like it or not, those we might disagree with can make the very same claim. The indwelling Jesus is not reserved for those who believe, but for all of the Lords children. The scripture tells us that Christ Jesus gave Himself once for ALL {Hebrews 10:10, Romans 6:10, 2 Corinthians 5:21}. Yes, even that grumpy guy down the street who nobody in their right mind would ever believe had Jesus. As believers, we do not hold a monopoly on who Jesus lives in. The mainstream church will preach that knowing Jesus is a competition, that we somehow need to earn the right to have Jesus. This is not what the Father intended. Through the apostle John, we can see that the true desire of the Lord is that we would be one with He and His Son {John 17:21}. One of the most over used verses of scripture in history even proclaims this truth. We all know and have read John 3:16. However, far too many people overlook the second part of that verse. John 3:17 proclaims that "the world may be saved through Him." I don't know about you, but that sounds to me as if the Lords original intent was that all would be saved.
Who Himself carries up our sins in His body on to the pole, that, coming away from sins, we should be living for righteousness; by Whose welt you were healed.
1 Peter 2: 24, Concordant New Testament
Time and again, we find that Jesus is not simply a reward for the faithful. On the contrary, Jesus is the Life in us all. In the film Come Sunday (2018), the reverend Carlton Pearson is ostracized by the church for proclaiming that there is indeed no hell. In one scene, Pearson inquires of the church leaders assembled before him, "If you could save your own father from hell...wouldn't you?" I believe that if I were to ask God that same question I already know what His response would be. We do not serve a God who delights in weeding out the unfaithful. We serve a God who rejoices in His children knowing Him. As a result, not only are we who follow Christ assured of His presence within us, but so are those we would never even suspect Jesus would choose. Before we step back and decide who we feel has the indwelling Christ in them, we should consider what gives us the authority to make such claims. Are we not judging others when we do so? Has not Jesus Himself warned us against judging others? When Christ gave Himself once for all, He did just that. As difficult as it is for the mainstream Christian to accept, we all were intended have the indwelling Christ in us. The stumbling block occurs when some never realize the gift they have been given. How sad it must be having the glory of the indwelling Christ within you and yet never having the realization that you do. Jesus stands at the door and knocks {Revelation 3:20}. Will you answer?
Lo! I stand at the door and am knocking. If ever anyone should be hearing My voice and opening the door, I will also be coming in to him and dining with him, and he with Me.
Revelation 3: 20, Concordant New Testament
~Scott~
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