Colossians 1:24–27 ‘The glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.’ (v27)
‘Christ in you, the hope of glory.’ This is a favourite phrase in the Bible, for it hints at a mystery of which we’ll never fully plumb the depths.
That is, our union with the triune God, through Christ dwelling within us (and elsewhere we see the Holy Spirit filling us, such as on Pentecost [Acts 2:4]).
Wonder of wonders that God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit would extend their circle of love and welcome us to live with them, as Christ and the Holy Spirit dwell within us.
Of course, this is a mystery, and thus the concept can seem abstract. Ponder a few ideas of what ‘Christ in you’ means.
At our conversion, we accept the new life that God offers through His Son, Jesus. We ask Him to come and live with us – and He does.
His Spirit enters us as He begins the work of transformation. Maybe He starts with assuring us that we really are His, and that He will never abandon us.
Or perhaps He helps us stop a bad habit, such as uttering bad language or gossiping. Or we might feel a deep and abiding sense of peace.
An example of this mystery is the deep transformation of a woman who has grown in her faith over the past ten years.
Previously she would have struggled to pray aloud in public, but recently led a church service. After the service she shared with a new friend how after she was diagnosed with cancer, one night God lifted from her the fear that had crippled her.
The Lord used her to bolster the faith of another, all while He dwelled within her and gave her the right words to share. How do you see ‘Christ in you’ in yourself? In others?
A Prayer To Make:
‘Lord Jesus, You live in me! What an amazing mystery. Reveal to me a glimpse of what this means, that I might love and serve You more. Amen.’
An Action To Take:
Look back over your life, perhaps to who you were a decade ago. How has God brought about transformation throughout the years?
Scripture To Consider:
Gen. 2:5–7; Psa. 103:2–4; Rom. 8:9–11; 1 Cor. 1:27–31
