Learning to live by the indwelling life of Christ.
“To live is Christ” is to live by grace through faith unto good works. In that order. Any other way is not the life of Christ in us. When Christ’s good works flow effortlessly from our simple unstated faith in the gracious love of our Savior… that’s God’s workmanship. His work of art. His glory.
“To live is Christ” is this daily process of knowing, considering, and presenting. Knowing you are dead to sin. Considering yourself dead to sin and alive to God in Jesus. And then presenting your actions to God as his own actions in the world.
“To live is Christ” is this same hiddenness of God. His glory is hidden in our shame. Our weakness. Our sacrifice. Our folly. Our light and momentary affliction. Our messed up life. Our cross.
“To live is Christ” is hope, faith, and love, with love as the end of all things. Our hope and faith in Christ become Christ’s love in us and through us. And this is the only thing that counts now. Not your works, not your performance, not your religious rituals, disciplines, or deeds. Just fully trusting Christ to the point where you are free to love as he has loved you.
“To live is Christ” means that our faith in the indwelling Lord of glory is transforming us. The indwelling Spirit is conforming us to his likeness.
So are you experiencing the power of Christ by the Holy Spirit? Are you patient in hope, worshiping from faith, and laboring in love for others? Only the gospel can empower such living. Only our union with Christ can provide the hope needed for this kind of power. Resurrection power. The power of “to live is Christ.”
