Next...

I have been thinking where to go next as I wrestle through how our beliefs drive the mission. Remember, what we believe ought to send us on an expedition with God. Since I have argued that Jesus is the center, that he is Lord,  and that this is the starting point, I will move forward with the reality that those are Christ followers are said to be "in Christ".

When it comes to unity with Christ let's start with John 15:

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.

(John 15:1-11 ESV)

Jesus is the central figure. He is the vine to which all is connected, I think this image is helpful:

The "trunk" is the "vine". When one becomes a follower of Jesus she is grafted into the vine. The branches or cordons.  These are one with the vine. You see, those are Christians are not simply followers, we are one with the true vine.

This reality is significant.

Do you get that? If you claim to be a Christian you are one with Christ. This is why Paul says,

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

(2 Corinthians 5:17 ESV)

It is the "in Christness" of the person that determines their new identity. This is why Jesus' righteousness can be ours, because we are in him. We cannot be justified apart from being in him.

So what?

That's next...