VITAL
CHRISTIANITY
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!
Grace Baptist Church of Danville - Grace For
Today Radio Message #608
2734 Old Stanford Road -
Danville, Kentucky 40422-9438
Donald S. Fortner, Pastor -Telephone 606-236-8235 - Email grace@mis.net