"In Christ" It's Personal
It’s not surprising that there is a wide range of opinions among New Testament scholars over what Paul means by the little phrase “in Christ.” Views range from the more figurative—to be “in Christ” is akin to being “in the hands of Christ” so that he cares for you—to the more literal and real (or, even spatial)—we are located in Christ like Noah and his family were in the ark.
As I see it, the difference here is the difference between ideas and persons. Is being “in Christ” an ideal membership—like being a member of Costco? Or is it a real communion of personhood—like a marriage?
Ideas and…
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