Risen With Christ

Posted on Apr 6, 2021 in Devotions |

Introduction: What does it mean to be “Risen” with Christ? Is this just theological jargon that has absolutely no personal application? Paul uses this terminology when he, under the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, writes to both the Ephesian and Colossian believers. A closer investigation uncovers what God meant to you and me.

1. What does it mean when Paul says, we have been “RISEN” with Christ? (Eph 1:3; Col 3:1-4)

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.”

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.”

A term “In Christ” is used throughout the Bible. Technically speaking, God the Father sees every son or daughter placed “into” Jesus Christ. (Identification)….His death, burial and resurrection (Rom 6:1-11)…

** Christ in you, the hope of glory (Col 1:27)

** Been made accepted in the beloved (Eph 1:6)

** In Him, we live and move and have our being (Acts 17:28)

Back to Colossians 3:1.

“If ye then be risen with Christ.”

The word “if” is εἰ, which means forasmuch as, if, that…..some translate the word if – “since” you have been risen with Christ.

The phrase “be risen” is συνεγείρω, sunegeiró (soon-eg-i’-ro), which means to raise together or I raise along with.

Interesting to note, it is in the aorist tense meaning it is a past event, rather than a future event, although we will be raised in the future with a new body as well (1Cor 15:1-58; 1Thess 4:13-18), here it refers to the moment of the Holy Spirit’s quickening.

Again, the Holy Spirit is revealing His inward work at the moment of conversion for the believer. Please recognize. This is not something the CHRISTIAN earns, rather it is a “done deal” at the time of regeneration- when you are saved.

But are there some practical implications to this heavenly truth of being placed into and even “RAISED” up Jesus Christ?

2. How does this, being “RAISED” in Christ, work out in a practical way for believers? (Col 3:1-4)

“1If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.”

First, there is the POSITION of this truth. God has accomplished this in Christ (after all, God the Father sees us as a finished product in heaven

“6Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Phil 1:6)

“30Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.” (Rom 8:30)

Second, there is the practical part for the believer. When we accept by FAITH Jesus Christ’s payment for our sins, we also must accept by FAITH His power over sin.

“11Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Rom 6:11)

All of a sudden, when acted upon by faith and yielded to the power of the Holy Spirit, the believer experiences a source of enablement never known before called RESURRECTION POWER!

Conclusion: Have you been RISEN with CHRIST? If you are a CHRISTian, then technically speaking this has happened to you even though you may not have known it. Now that you know, how about appropriating this truth that will release the RESURRECTION POWER of Jesus Christ.

Also do not forget…..

“When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.”

Love y’all,

Dr. Randy Reese