Stamped on our hearts . . .

On Sunday, our pastor began a new series in Ephesians. He drew to our attention how we often talk about Christ living in us, but do we realize we are also living in Christ? This morning, I counted the phrase “in Christ” or “in Christ Jesus” in Ephesians — it appears thirty-three times!

What does that mean to be ‘in Christ’? I’ve had it explained to think of a page with writing on it inserted into the pages of a book. It may be hidden to the casual eye because the observer sees only the book. I am in Christ like that page is in the book (not a perfect analogy) because God has put me there. Not only that, when God looks at me, He sees Jesus.

Even though a Christian’s life is hidden in Him, we have been transformed by this amazing thing God has done. We are transformed because the ‘page’ or the person that God has put in Christ has writing on it, and that writing has been done by the Holy Spirit — not with ink but with His very self. It is not on a ‘piece of paper’ but on our hearts. That means, the change is to be totally visible, not hidden!

Are we beginning to commend ourselves again? Or do we need, as some do, letters of recommendation to you, or from you? You yourselves are our letter of recommendation, written on our hearts, to be known and read by all. And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts. (2 Corinthians 3:1–3)

This is hard to imagine. I think of a scrap-booker who pastes an image, or the machines in a mint that stamp a face on a coin. However, the message engraved from Christ on my heart is a message to the world. He put on the hearts of His people — so others can ‘read’ what He wants to say to them.

How important to watch my mouth, my actions, and to guard my heart so that message from God can be seen and heard. The old saying, “You might be the only Bible people ever read” is true. It is also vital because that message might be the words of life needed so the ‘listeners’ can put their faith in the One who grants forgiveness and eternal life.

Tozer says I do not have to be a scholar, a logician or a lawyer for any of this. Anyone can know that Jesus Christ is God in human flesh because the Holy Spirit takes the deity of Christ out of the hands of the scholars and puts it in into the hearts of His people. From there, He can convey His love, grace, and the message of life into the consciences of others.

^^^^^^^^^^

Jesus, this is so utterly amazing, and totally humbling. I’ve nothing in me that can earn or deserve such a great responsibility. It is all of You, and totally Your work. I am in Christ and Christ is in me.

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20)