We get concerned about people when they aren't "in church". (And so we should-- it is important to be in church.) But being in church, working in church, holding a position in church is not what makes you saved. You can sit in church every time the doors are open. You can serve in church at every event they have. But that still doesn't make you saved. Salvation only comes when you are "in Christ".
What does it mean to be "in Christ"? When we come to God in repentance, and receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord by faith, we become a "new person". We aren't just changing our attitude or behavior. We aren't just turning over a new leaf. We aren't just acting better and doing better. We now take on the identity of Christ. We are become a brand new person. Christ has made us, and is making us, brand new.
We take on a new nature-- His holy nature. We take on a new identity-- His identity. Our sins have been forgiven. We have left our old sinful life and are embracing the new life we have in Christ. It is a life of inward peace-- not condemnation. It is a life of hope-- not hopelessness. It is a life of freedom-- deliverance from bondage to sin. It is a life of acceptance by the Father-- not rejection. It is a life of love-- not fear and hate. It is a life of forgiveness-- not judgment.
While you should be in church, just being "in church" doesn't and never will save you, it doesn't make you right with God, it doesn't write your name in the Lamb's Book of Life, it doesn't make you a child of God and it doesn't give you eternal life. Being in Christ is what saves you. It is what makes you accepted by God. It is what makes you right with God. It is what gives you eternal life.
Have a great day. Are you only "in church" or are you "in Christ"? There is a difference. Only one will save you.
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Coffee Break is a morning devotional written by Lorraine Ezell
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