Membership in certain organizations accords various benefits. A member of the military for example, is allowed access to military installations and has the ability to visit the exchange or commissary. Do you realize your benefits as a follower of Christ? The Apostle Paul highlights four benefits of those who are in Christ,

But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, (1 Corinthians 1:30)

Paul emphasized that God is the author of our salvation. We can do nothing to earn our salvation, but we must come to Him in humble dependence. Paul then enumerates some of the benefits we have by being in Christ.

The first benefit that Paul identified is that we have received wisdom from God. Although we were spiritually blind and ignorant, God has lavished His wisdom and insight upon us (Ephesians 1:8). Are you walking in His wisdom? James tells us that if we lack wisdom, that we can go to God in prayer,

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. (James 1:5)

Next, we see that we have His righteousness. We cannot achieve righteousness on our own, but it is only through Jesus Christ who enables us to stand righteous before God,

He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

The third benefit Paul lists is sanctification. This word implies that you are set apart and enables you to manifest the holiness of Jesus in your life. Sanctification is not an imitation of the life of Jesus, but an impartation of Jesus living His life through you. Do you know the hope that you have that Christ is in you (Colossians 1:27)? Christ’s righteousness frees you from the penalty of sin, and His sanctification enables you to overcome the power of sin. Jesus can deliver you from the guilt of your past sins, worry about your present difficulties, and anxiety concerning the future.

Finally, Paul says that we’ve been redeemed. Jesus has delivered us from the bondage of sin. The word “redemption” conveys the idea of paying the price to redeem or deliver us from captivity. This word not only looks back at our forgiveness, but also forward to a our new life in Christ. You were in bondage and Christ paid the price for your sin so that you can walk in freedom.

God does not accept us based upon our wisdom, performance, or behavior. God accepts us when we put our trust in Christ’s redemptive work and He places within us His Holy Spirit. There is no need for you to live in spiritual poverty. May you realize your true identity in Christ as you appropriate your spiritual benefits.

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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