2 Corinthians 5:21
²¹ God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (NIV)

In Him.

The word ‘in’ is a preposition denoting a fixed place. It is medial, meaning this place is immediately spaced between two other points. Jesus said the only way to the Father was through Him. These are our two points. It is a linear concept. To be in Him is to live and breathe between the Son and the Father. We approach, enter in, and pass through the Son being placed between the Father and Son.

Christ is the Father. To be in Him is to be in the Father, but we are on a linear spiritual journey through Christ to the Father, yet at the same time, being in Christ is to be in the Father because they are one. Being in Christ is both now and not yet. I am in the Father through Christ. However, until I depart from this finite world and enter eternity, the degree of immersion I experience is partial. Paul would teach that for now, we only see in part, but we shall see God face to face in eternity.

To be ‘in Christ’ is a transcendent location where my spirit resides within the parameters of the person or, better, the character of Jesus Christ. I rest in Him. Metaphorically, I lift my legs and climb into His person to go where He walks, and His movements determine my actions. When my thoughts, words, and actions do not move outside the parameters of who He is, I remain ‘in Him.’

To be in Him, my sin, all of me that exists outside His character, must be left behind. My sin will not fit in Him. This is why He became sin, though only for the moment He endured the cross, so that outside of Chronos, the sin, even future, uncommitted sin, is crucified ‘with Him.’

The parameters of being ‘in Him’ have the outward characteristic of obedience to His Word. However, love is the essence that keeps us ‘in Him.’ To be ‘in Him’ is to climb into His love. We are not forced to stay ‘in Him,’ but ‘in Him,’ His love covers us like a weighted blanket. Our souls find rest there, ‘in Him.’

Prayer: Lord, thank you for making a way for me to be ‘in You.’ Let my heart be open to experience Your love deeper so I might remain ‘in You,’ and find rest for my soul. Amen.