Be in Christ, Not Just in Church

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“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” – 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)

Introduction

The modern Church is full of people who regularly attend services, join ministries, and even speak in tongues. Yet, one of the greatest tragedies in our time is that many of these same individuals are merely in church but not in Christ. There is a difference between being a church member and being a Christ follower. While the former can be seen by men, the latter is known only by God. This message is a call to reflect deeply, repent sincerely, and realign purposefully with the true gospel—one that transforms us from the inside out.

1. Church Attendance Is Not the Goal

Church attendance is important and biblical (Hebrews 10:25). It’s where we gather for fellowship, teaching, and mutual encouragement. However, it is not the end goal of Christianity. It is possible to sit in church every Sunday and still be spiritually lost. Being in a garage doesn’t make you a car, just as sitting in church doesn’t make you a Christian. The goal is not to merely attend, but to belong to Christ.

Jesus warned in Matthew 7:21–23 that not everyone who says, “Lord, Lord,” will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but only those who do the will of His Father. Many will say they prophesied, cast out demons, and performed miracles in His name, and yet He will say, “I never knew you.” Why? Because they were near religion, but far from relationship.

2. Being in Christ Means New Life

To be in Christ means to be reborn spiritually. This is not a change in geography (from outside to inside the church), but a change in identity and nature. Paul says in Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” This transformation is internal before it is ever external.

When someone is in Christ:

• Their desires begin to change.
• Their priorities are reordered.
• Sin becomes bitter, and holiness becomes beautiful.
• Church attendance becomes a joy, not an obligation.
• Worship becomes heartfelt, not just a performance.
• Scripture becomes living bread, not just words on a page.

3. Religion Without Relationship is Dangerous

One of the enemy’s greatest deceptions is to make us think that external religion is enough. Jesus addressed this many times with the Pharisees—men who knew the Scriptures, kept the traditions, and appeared holy, yet their hearts were far from God (Matthew 15:8).

Religion can become a cloak that hides our spiritual nakedness. We can deceive others and even ourselves, but never God. He looks past the hymns we sing, the offerings we give, and the scriptures we quote—He looks at our hearts. A person may carry a Bible but not carry the light of Christ within. This is why Paul said in 2 Timothy 3:5 that in the last days people would have “a form of godliness but deny its power.”

4. Fruits of True Abiding in Christ

When we are in Christ, there will be evidence—not to earn salvation, but as a result of it. Jesus said, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit…” (John 15:5). What does this fruit look like?

• Love: Not just for friends but for enemies.
• Joy: Not dependent on circumstances.
• Peace: In storms and uncertainties.
• Patience: With others and ourselves.
• Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

This fruit is not manufactured by human effort but produced by the Holy Spirit in a surrendered life. If these fruits are not growing in us, we must honestly ask whether we are connected to the Vine or just hanging around the vineyard.

5. The Church is the Body, Not the Substitute

We must never mistake the Church for Christ. The Church is the Body of Christ, not His substitute. We gather as believers because we are in Christ, not in order to be in Christ. Fellowship with the body is a result of salvation, not a method to earn it.

Unfortunately, many have idolized church membership, church buildings, and church programs. They’ve replaced intimacy with Christ with routine religious activities. But the early disciples didn’t die for a denomination—they died for the person of Jesus Christ. They had an unshakable, personal relationship with Him that nothing could sever—not persecution, hardship, or death.

6. How Do You Know You Are in Christ?

You may ask, “How do I know if I’m in Christ and not just in church?” Here are some self-examination questions based on Scripture:

• Do I genuinely love Jesus more than anything or anyone else?
• Am I convicted when I sin, and do I repent quickly?
• Is my faith visible in how I live, not just in what I say?
• Do I hunger for God’s Word and enjoy being in His presence?
• Do I obey God’s commands, even when it’s inconvenient?
• Do I love others as Christ loved me?
• Do I bear spiritual fruit in increasing measure?

These are not questions to shame you but to invite you deeper into the life God desires for you. Christ didn’t die so you could sit in a pew—He died to live in you, walk with you, and transform you for His glory.

7. A Loving Call to Return to Christ

If you find yourself convicted, don’t harden your heart. This is the voice of the Holy Spirit inviting you to stop playing church and start being the Church—the called-out, blood-washed, Spirit-filled followers of Jesus. The church building may close, but those in Christ will remain unshaken. Religion may crumble, but relationship will carry you to eternity.

Jesus is not asking for part of your life—He wants all of you. He wants to dwell, not just visit. He wants your heart, not just your habits.

Conclusion

Dear believer, being in church is good. But being in Christ is eternal. Let us not be content with proximity to the altar while remaining far from the Savior. Let us pursue a deep, personal, and life-transforming relationship with Jesus Christ.

He is calling you not to routine religion, but to radical relationship. Let your life be a testimony not of church membership, but of divine transformation.

Be in Christ. Not just in Church.

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Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the invitation to abide in Your Son. I confess that I have often settled for religion instead of relationship, routine instead of righteousness. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. I don’t want to just be seen in church—I want to be found in Christ. Help me live a life that bears fruit, brings glory to Your name, and reflects the love of Jesus. In His mighty name, Amen.

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