“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

- 2 Corinthians 5:17

What does it mean to be "in Christ"?

Jesus gives us a beautiful picture to help us understand this concept of abiding in him, or being connected to him. He tells us in John 15 that when we love him and follow him, we’re like a branches that are grafted into a vine. I’m no agricultural genius, but the image is ripe. A branch cannot survive on its own. It has no root, no way to get life sustaining water. And, don’t even think about picking fruit from that branch. There isn’t any. The branch is pretty much a lost cause without the vine. But, when it’s connected to the vine, there’s life for the branch and even fruitfulness.

So, my fellow branches, this is our calling: be connected to the vine, Jesus. As a follower of Jesus, you are “in Christ”. You are a new creature entirely. And, all of the life and fruitfulness you want to be true of you is true “in Christ”. He is the source of life and abundance. Seek him. He longs to give it to you!