Saturday, 12 August 2023
THE THRUST OF 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).
The ultimate message and vision of Christianity is “Christ in you!” Yet, not all Christians have fully grasped this reality; some are unaware of what Christianity truly entails because they lack a comprehensive understanding of it.
Without being taught the Word of God and enlightened by the Scriptures through the Spirit, one cannot fully comprehend the essence of Christianity. Many perceive it merely as one of the world's religions, but they’re sorely mistaken.
Christianity stands far apart from the conventional definitions of religion. In truth, the Bible elucidates that Christianity incorporates certain aspects of religion, but itself isn’t a religion. It's like prayer for example; there's prayer in Christianity, but Christianity is not “a prayer.”
Let’s also consider salvation: salvation occurs when one is born into Christ. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.” When we witness and share the Gospel with those who have not yet known the Lord and lead them to salvation, they come into Christ, receiving eternal life. But Christianity goes further to living the life initiated by salvation.
Thus, salvation brings you into Christ, which is “you in Christ,” but the Christian life is “Christ in you.” This is the thrust of Christianity. When you truly discover Christ dwelling within you, you live a glorious life, fulfilling God's purpose. The moment you uncover the presence of Christ within you, your life becomes a melody, a symphony of joy. This is not a mere ideology but a tangible reality.
The true essence of Christianity lies in understanding that it is not merely a religion but a divine relationship with the Father by Christ Jesus. This is one of the reasons you must take your study of "Rhapsody of Realities" seriously; in it, you can receive the enlightenment needed to grasp this profound reality that Christ now dwells within you, in the very quarters of your heart.
PRAYER: Dear Father, I thank you for the revelation of this glorious reality and profound truth that Christ dwells in me. I’m ever conscious of this reality, permeating and penetrating my world with the same truth, and ushering many into the same life of joy and unending victory, in Jesus' Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
Romans 8:10; Galatians 2:20; Colossians 1:26-27
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Romans 14-15:1-4 & Psalms 90-93
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Luke 15:11-19 & Judges 20