How do we get “in” Christ?
The call to become body members of Christ is described in Romans 12:1,2: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
Presenting our bodies as “living sacrifices” means to give up our own wills and dedicate ourselves to God’s service. Paul calls this a “reasonable service.” Romans 5 then describes the process for being acceptable to God.
“Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (verse 1). Later, in verse 9, the apostle says we are “justified by his blood.” We see here a two-step process. We draw closer to God through faith in Jesus. Seeing our faith and desire to be a “living sacrifice,” God then justifies us by the blood of Christ. This justification is a legal step that provides a standing before God. He no longer recognizes our sins, and He considers us His sons. This two-step process began with our faith in Christ and then receiving his atoning merit. We then become body members of Christ as described in 1 Corinthains 12:27. “Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.”
How do we remain in Christ?
Although we still must deal with our fallen flesh, and we unfortunately continue to sin and make mistakes, we remain justified in the eyes of God as long as our hearts are loyal to Him and we maintain our faith in Christ. The Lord knows that such a life can be a struggle at times. We are assured that Jesus is very sympathetic to those struggles. “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:15, 16). God is not looking for perfection. He is looking for our sincere and lasting commitment.
Once in Christ, we can be guided by the spirit of God. This is generally through a study of His word and is associated with very precious promises. “…Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God” (1 Corinthians 2:9,10).
Can we get “out” of Christ?
Yes, Hebrews 10:26,29 reveals that our standing with God can be lost. “For if we sin willfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins…Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?”
To trample under foot the son of God means to reject his sacrifice after receiving its benefits. Only those who were once fully dedicated to God and justified by the blood of Christ can lose the spirit of grace described in this verse. This is a serious condition. The passage says that anyone who has fallen into this condition can longer have any type of relationship with God or Jesus.