Here’s something to think about: the Bible uses the term ‘Christian’ only 3 times (twice in Acts in once in 1 Peter). However the term ‘In Christ’ is used hundreds of times (Christ himself even talks about abiding in him). I wonder how it would affect us if we identified ourselves as ‘In Christ’ rather than as a ‘Christian.’ I know it may seem like splitting hairs, but think about the connotations that those two phrases carry.
Being a Christian often refers to your beliefs. I am a Christian, therefore I believe in Christ and the Bible and all things associated. And because of my beliefs, I do certain things and act a certain way.
Being in Christ refers more to a relationship. I am in Christ, therefore he is in me and we are together. And because of my relationship, I am changed to be more like him.
Many people would probably claim to be Christians, they believe that Jesus is the Son of God and they believe the Bible, however, not all of them may honestly claim that they are ‘in Christ.’
Again, this may be semantics, but Christ never calls us to be ‘Christians,’ he calls us to be ‘In Christ.’
“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:4-5)
There’s nothing wrong with calling yourself a ‘Christian.’ But today, may you be in Christ and may Christ be in you.