VITAL CHRISTIANITY
"To
whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among
the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." Colossians 1:27
Vital
christianity, all true religion, all true spiritual life is set before us by
the Holy Spirit in these seven words: “Christ
in you, the hope of glory.” Vital christianity is real christianity.
Anything less than this is a satanic, religious delusion. Here vital
christianity is presented in three ways:
THE ESSENCE OF IT - “Christ.” In christianity “Christ
is all.” He is the mystery of the gospel (I Tim. 3:16), the riches of the
gospel (Eph. 1:3; 3:8), and the glory of the gospel (John 1:14). The essence of
godliness, the essence of the gospel, the essence of vital christianity is not
a doctrinal creed, a code of conduct, a denominational name, or an emotional
experience, but a Person, the Lord Jesus Christ. The Son of God came into this
world, assuming our nature, that he might save his people from their sins. Only
the incarnate God could do the work. And he has finished it completely
(Dan.9:24; Rom.8:34; Heb.10:10-14). This name, or title, by which our Savior is
commonly known, “Christ,” includes
all his covenant offices. He is our Prophet, Priest, and King. He is our
Savior, Surety, and Prince. Christ is our Head, Representative, and Substitute,
our Daysman, Mediator, and Savior. In all things and at all times I lean the
weight of my immortal soul upon him. Christ is my all! He was my all in the
covenant of blessing (Eph. 1:3), his life of obedience (Rom. 5:19), his death
at Calvary (Gal. 3:13), and his resurrection glory (Eph. 2:6). Christ is my all
as my Advocate in heaven (I John 2:1-2). And he shall be my all in the day of
judgment (Rev. 21:27; 22:11). Child of God, whatever Christ did, we have done
in him. Whatever Christ is, we are in him. Whatever he has, we must have.
Wherever he is, we must be! Be sure you understand this - Christ himself is the
essence of christianity and salvation (Lk. 2:30; I Cor. 1:30). Christ alone
could satisfy the justice of God. He alone can quieten your conscience, inspire
and govern your life, make your soul content, and sustain your heart in the
hour of death.
THE EXPERIENCE OF IT - “Christ in you.” Christ in heaven is wonderful. Christ in the
gospel is beautiful. Christ in others is hopeful. But Christ in you is
salvation! If Christ is in you, he came to be in you by God’s almighty,
irresistible, sovereign grace (Eph. 2:1-4). “Christ
in you” is Christ born in you (II Pet. 1:4), received by you (John
1:12-13), and possessed by you. When something is in you, it is your property
and can never be taken from you (John 6:54-56). Christ in you is Christ
reigning your life from within, transforming you into his likeness, and
radiating from you (II Cor. 5:17; Gal. 2:20; Acts 4:13).
THE EXPECTATION OF IT - “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Christ
is our hope (Lam. 3:24-26). And he is a good hope (II Thess. 2:16). Therefore,
we have every reason to expect glory. The Lord God, who brought us grace will
bring us to glory (Psa. 84:11). The covenant of grace, the intercession of
Christ, and the seal of the Holy Spirit assure every believer of glory in all
its fullness!
Donald S. Fortner, Pastor - Grace For Today Radio Message
#567
Grace Baptist Church of Danville
- Danville,
Kentucky 40422-9438