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Greater Is He: A Study on Justification and Sanctification
What is the vital difference between being 'In Him' and 'Christ in You'?
make study on Greater is HE that is in you, than he that is in the world. There are the twos: We are "In Him" --that's justification. "... That we might become the righteousness of God in Him." And Christ is "In you" --that's sanctification. "Christ in you, the hope of glory!"
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21 For he has made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
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4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.
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27 To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:
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Welcome to this Bible study! It is a joy to explore these deep, spiritual truths with you. The central theme of our study is that the presence of Christ within the believer provides a power and a victory that far exceeds any influence in this world. 🌟
To understand why "Greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world," we must look at the two-fold mystery of our relationship with Jesus: our position in Him and His living presence in us.
🛡️ Part 1: We are "In Him" (Justification)
Justification is the wonderful act where we, as sinners, are accepted by God because we are hidden in Christ. We have no merit of our own, but when we surrender to Him, His perfect life is credited to us.
Becoming Righteous: Jesus, who never sinned, took our place so that we could be seen as righteous before the Father. This is not because of anything we have done, but because we are "in Him."
“For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him” 2 Corinthians 5:21.
A Free Gift: We cannot earn this standing; it is a free and ample provision made through His blood. By faith, we reckon ourselves dead to our old life and alive in Him.
“Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” Romans 3:24.
The Wedding Garment: This is represented by the "white raiment" or "wedding garment," which is the imputed righteousness of Christ. It covers our defects and makes us accepted in the Beloved.
“I counsel thee to buy of me... white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear” Revelation 3:18.
🕊️ Part 2: Christ is "In You" (Sanctification)
While justification gives us a title to heaven, sanctification—Christ living in us—is our fitness for heaven. It is a life-union where His vitality circulates through our spiritual system.
The Hope of Glory: The greatest mystery of the gospel is that the Creator of the universe dwells within the human heart. This indwelling presence is what transforms our characters day by day.
“To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” Colossians 1:27.
A New Power: This is not a dormant influence but a "working mightily" within us. It is the Holy Spirit bringing the life of Jesus into our daily actions, changing our motives and desires.
“Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily” Colossians 1:29.
Daily Transformation: Sanctification is a daily work of dying to self and letting Christ live His life through us. As we yield our members to Him, they become instruments of righteousness.
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” 2 Corinthians 5:17.
🏆 Part 3: Greater is HE that is in You
The reason we can have confidence and peace is that the Spirit of God within us is infinitely more powerful than the "prince of this world" or any of the "spirits of devils" working in the world.
Overcoming the World: Because we are born of God and have His Spirit, we have the victory that overcomes the world. The "He" in us is the Almighty, the Alpha and Omega.
“Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world” 1 John 4:4.
Protection in the Conflict: We are in a great controversy, but we are not left alone. Christ stands by our side, and His righteousness surrounds us like a garment of light. Even when the "dragon" roars, those who are "in Him" are eternally secure.
“He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler” Psalm 91:4.
The Final Triumph: Soon, those who have allowed Christ to be formed within them will see Him in His beauty. They will stand before the throne, clothed in the white linen of His righteousness, having gained the victory through the Lamb.
“And they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years” Revelation 20:6.
Summary: 📖
By being "In Him" 2 Corinthians 5:21, your past is forgiven and you are justified. By having "Christ in You" Colossians 1:27, your heart is purified and you are sanctified. Because He is the Almighty God Revelation 1:8, you can rest in the promise that the Power within you is far greater than any trial you face in this world 1 John 4:4.
May you walk today in the joy and strength of His indwelling presence! 🙌