James Chapter One

                             Lesson 12 June 6

 

Key Observations Pertinent to Positional Truth and Our Identification with Christ

 

1.  Positional Truth is the Foundation for Growth and Change in life.

 

When properly grasped, it protects us from the trickery/scheming of men  and from Satan's substitutes for relationship with Christ, i.e. true spirituality, and it forms the foundation for spiritual victory over the sinful nature, the flesh. [Eph 4:14]

 

In other words, the truth of Romans 6, our position in Christ, is crucial truth giving us an understanding of the reality of God's gracious provision for overcoming the power of the indwelling sin nature by means of the Spirit who dwells within each believer and the Word illumined by Him. 

 

Positional truth then means that we share in all that Jesus is in His person and we share in what He did and will do, its His Work.  1 Cor. 1:30

 

2. Positional Truth, being identified with Christ means:

(1) As He died unto sin, (Rom 6:7) so we too have died unto sin.  Rom. 6:2,3

 

(2) As He rose from the dead, so have we being identified with Him.   Romans 6:4,5

- We were dead in our sins, now we have a new life, His life!  (Gal 2:20)

 

(3) As He is seated at God's right hand, so are we.   Ephesians 2:6

 

(4) As He is the Son, so we are now sons by faith. Gal. 3:26

 

(5) As He is eternal life, so we have eternal life. Rom. 6:23

 

(6) As He is perfect righteousness, so we have His righteousness.    Phil. 3:9

 

3. The Nature of Our Position in Christ as Believer's

One's position in Christ is not a conscious experience, an emotion, or some second blessing to be sought.

It is a spiritual fact that takes place as a grace work of God when one believes in Christ.

 

One condition - faith in the right object, the Word of Truth.

 

4.  Our Position in Christ is Perfect and Complete

Unlike spiritual growth and maturity in the Christian walk, positional truth is not progressive.

 

From the moment of salvation, having been placed into union with Christ by the Holy Spirit, believer's are blessed with every spiritual blessing and are complete, in Him.

We lack nothing  (cf. 2 Pet 1:3;   Eph. 1:3 and Col. 2:10)

- Do we use and exploit these resources?    1 Pet. 2:1-2;  2 Pet. 3:18.

 

5.  Positional truth means at least three wonderful facts for every believer:

(1) He totally surrounds you; you are enveloped by His life.

Col. 3:3 For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

(2) Your position is protected from any and everything that is hostile or dangerous. Romans 8:34-39  nothing can impact

(3) He supplies you with every possible need for life  (Eph. 1:3;   Phil. 4:19; 2 Pet. 1:3) 

 

6. Our Position in Christ is Eternal and Permanent

Salvation is totally a work of God's grace and based on the merit and worth of Christ and His finished work rather than any of our works.

Since that is true, there is nothing we can do to lose it (John 10:28-29; Rom. 8:32-39).

 

Though he declared them carnal, fleshly, that is dominated by their Sin Nature in chapter 3, the Apostle viewed them as still positionally in Christ.