One in Christ

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Scripture: Galatians 3:27-29 (ESV)

27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.

Devotion:

What does it mean to put on Christ? Paul uses this metaphor to describe the radical transformation that takes place when we are baptized into Christ. Baptism is not just a ritual or a symbol, but a powerful act of God, a divine intervention that unites us with Christ in his death and resurrection. Our old identity no longer defines us, but by our new identity in Christ.

This new identity transcends all the divisions and distinctions that the world makes. There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female. These categories are not erased, but they are no longer the basis for our status, value, or belonging. We are all one in Christ Jesus, who has broken down the walls of hostility and reconciled us to God and to each other, making us part of a larger spiritual family.

This unity in Christ also connects us with the history of salvation. We are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise. We share the same faith and hope as the patriarchs, prophets, and apostles who looked forward to fulfilling God's promises in Christ. This shared journey and continuity in faith binds us together as part of God's family, his chosen people, his royal priesthood, his holy nation.

How do we live out this new identity in Christ? We do so by following his example of love, humility, service, and sacrifice. We do so by bearing one another's burdens, seeking peace and justice, and proclaiming the gospel of grace. We do so by remembering that we are not our own, but we belong to Christ, who loved us and gave himself for us.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank you for baptizing us into your name and giving us a new identity in you. Help us to put on Christ every day and clothe ourselves with your compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Help us to live in unity with our brothers and sisters in Christ and to honor you as our Lord and Savior. Amen.

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