Spiritual Riches

Spiritual Riches

One with Christ!

Our union with Christ is like that of a perfect marriage in which there is a total merging of assets. Since this is the perfect union, however, the oneness extends far beyond what normally occurs in marriage. Everything that is ours becomes Christ’s (our sin – that’s what killed him – time, talents, possessions, relationships, etc) and everything that is his becomes ours (his perfection, endless life, abilities, achievements, honor, riches, relationships, etc).

The principle is stated in general terms in many different parts of the Bible. For example, in 1 Corinthians 3:21,23 we read, ‘All things belong to you . . . and you belong to Christ. (See also Song of Solomon 2:16; John I6:15,23; Romans 8:32; Philippians 4:13; 2 Peter 1:3.)

‘Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours,’ the father (representing God) told the prodigal son’s brother in Jesus’ parable (Luke 15:11-32). The older brother had missed out on so much because he had failed to realize the extent of his father’s love and generosity. He hadn’t realized that he only had to ask. In fact, having full faith in his father’s generosity, he should simply have taken and used his father’s things. We, too, can so easily miss out, if we don’t realize all that God has lovingly given us.

A true Christian has Christ (2 John 9) and this includes Christ’s:

* Knowledge – John 15:15; 16:13-15

* Riches – Philippians 4:19

* Glory – John l7:22; 2 Thessalonians 2:14

* Throne in Heaven – Ephesians 2:6; Revelation 3:2l

* Peace – John 14:27

* God’s Kingdom – James 2:5; Revelation 22:5; 2 Timothy 2:12

* Joy – John 15:11

* Moral purity – 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Corinthians 1:30

* Miracle-working power – John 14:12,13

* Victory over Satan – Romans 16:20 (1 Corinthians 15:25)

* Spirit – Romans 8:9

* Mind – 1 Corinthians 2:16; Philippians 2:5

* Power over death – 1 Corinthians 15:55-57

* Likeness – 1 Corinthians 15:49; 1 John 3:2

* Inheritance – Romans 8:17

* Life – Galatians 2:20; 1 John 5:12

* Ministry – John 17:18 (compare John 8:12 with Matthew 5:14)

* Presence – John 14:23; Ephesians 3:17

* Relationship with God – John 17:23,26; Galatians 4:6; Hebrews 2:11

* And there’s probably more!

Any eye can glide down that list but to grasp anything like the full ramifications demands much prayer and deep thought.

Truly, ‘in him [Christ] you have been enriched in every way . . .’ (1 Corinthians 1:5)! Your potential is limitless (Philippians 4:l3). But we can still make the mistake the older brother made and fail to enjoy what is rightfully ours. We must take the gifts that cost God so much to make available to us. We do this by believing God has given them to us and then, while nothing seems to have changed, acting as if we have received them. That might sound strange, but that’s the way God operates. Displaying faith in God’s generosity is the greatest way to thrill him.

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