In Christ

Watchman Nee (from Studying the Bible, A Living Sacrifice)

In studying God’s Word, we will see that the New Testament only uses terms such as “in the Lord,” “in Christ,” “in Christ Jesus,” never does it say “in Jesus” or “in Jesus Christ.” This is what we call the discovery of fact. We should try to remember all instances where these terms are employed. Then we should compare them with the terms that are not used. Why in a certain place is the phrase “in Christ” used but not “in Jesus”? Why does it say “in Christ Jesus” but not “in Jesus Christ”? Why does the Bible never once use the term “in Jesus Christ”? As we analyze and compare the Word, we can expect God to give us light that we may see.

We now are shown that “Jesus” is the earthly name of our Lord. “Jesus Christ” means this Jesus will one day be Christ. “Christ” is the name given to Him after His resurrection and anointing by God. “Let all the house of Israel therefore know assuredly, that God has made Him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom ye crucified” (Acts 2:36). Hence it is His name of resurrection. Then in Romans we find “Christ Jesus,” which means the Christ of today is the Jesus of yesterday. Christ Jesus has become His name now. The term “Jesus Christ” is quite different from that of “Christ Jesus.” Christ is formerly Jesus, and Jesus later will be Christ. We can only be in Christ but never in Jesus. We can be in the Lord or in Christ Jesus, but not in Jesus Christ.

When our Lord lived on earth, we could not be in Him. For if we were, we would share His cross and the work of redemption. No, He alone is God’s only begotten Son; we have no part in it. His birth in Bethlehem is something we cannot share. Then why is it we can be in Christ? “But of Him are ye in Christ Jesus” (1 Cor. 1:30). It does not say in Jesus, but in Christ Jesus. For we are actively united with Him in His resurrection after He died and was raised from among the dead. There God has made Him Christ; and there by His Spirit God has joined us to Him.