"But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ."
Ephesians 2:13
A key motif in New Testament theology is the assertion that we are in Christ. This two-word phrase used some thirty times – not including other phrases like “united with Christ” – is a favorite statement Paul used to describe the follower of Jesus. For example, in Ephesians 2:4-13 the apostle uses the phrase three times (v.6, 10, & 13) as well as the related phrase “with Christ” in verse five. This great text begins, “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ – by grace you have been saved…” (v.4-5). For those of us who have surrendered in faith to Jesus He is our righteousness, our element, our dwelling place, our security, our identity. It is our union with Christ that makes us acceptable to the Holy Father and rescues us from alienation. Instead, we are reconciled, we are God’s elect, holy and beloved, we are a chosen generation, a holy priesthood, the people of God, seated with Christ; our life is hidden with Christ in God.
The beautiful product of the gospel is pointed out in John 1:12, “But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” Later, John writes “everyone who loves the Father loves whoever has been born of Him” (1 John 5:1). Being in Christ is not only our union with Him, but the focal point of our unity in Him. You and I may be very different people with different lifestyles, cultural tastes, and ethnic backgrounds, but in Christ we can say “He Himself is our peace, who has made us both one” (Eph. 2:14). In other words, we may be people who, culturally, have little in common and would likely not find any natural connection in life in general. But in Christ, we share the same identity, so ours becomes a gospel-centered relationship.
This is something for which today's society is desperately searching. But apart from the gospel, the forces of society pursue such unity by labeling and dividing. Everyone is expected to wear their label with public pride, and demand affirmation of it because the Self is supreme. The gospel of Jesus rescues us from this chaotic division, and we find our unity in our union with Christ – The supreme Being. This becomes a foreshadow of heaven – every tribe and tongue and nation focused on worship of the Lamb who is worthy.
Our Lord Jesus instituted a rite that would remind us of this reality. We call it the Lord’s Table. It is a time of communion – unity amongst the saints based and focused upon the redeeming work of Jesus. Jesus commanded, “Do this in remembrance of Me.” Remembering is not just mental recall, but it is putting what we know into action. He said that by demonstrating such communion (unity in Him), we proclaim His redemptive work. We need to be reminded of our identity in Christ, our unity in Christ, and our righteousness in Christ with humility, awe, and adoration – together.
Our next Lord’s Table is scheduled for June 30th at 6:00 p.m. Let’s heed our Savior’s invitations to His welcoming table. As we come together, we demonstrate our love for Him and our love for each other. We are family - it’s time to come to the table.
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