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I. WHAT IS IT TO BE "IN CHRIST"?

1. We are in Christ —

(1)  By virtue of the Divine plan and purpose (Ephesians 1:4; 2 Timothy 1:9).

(2)  When our sins are forgiven (Colossians 2:11-14).

(3)  By regeneration (2 Corinthians 5:17). And in connection with this Christ is said to be "our life."

(4)  When we are justified (Romans 8:1).

(5)  When we make profession of faith in Christ's name.

(6)  By holy walking (Colossians 2:6).

(7)  At His coming.

2. This union is —

(1)  Deep and indestructible.

(2)  A union which is the source of reciprocal delight.

II. WE MAY BE "IN CHRIST," AS FAR AS THE DEVELOPMENT AND EVIDENCE OF IT IS CONCERNED, AT DIFFERENT PERIODS. Andronicus and Junia were in Christ before Paul.

1. When we are young, as soon as the truth of Jesus can be received into the understanding and the heart, the child may be "in Christ." We have instances in Holy Scripture of early piety: Joseph, Moses, David, Josiah, Daniel and the three Hebrews, John the Baptist, and Timothy. When we enter upon the serious businesses and occupations of life: Christ says, "Take My yoke upon you"; and if you receive Christ's yoke and hear His burden, you are "in Christ."

2. When we are married. We read that marriage is to be only "in the Lord." Are you going to be "heirs together of the grace of life"?

3. Are you forty, and not "in Christ"? Your peril is extreme. It is a rare thing for a person to be converted after forty.

4. I come to age. We deny not that a man may be brought unto Christ, just when he is about to expire, as the thief upon the cross was; but I beg of you that you leave not a question of such profound importance to such a conjuncture as that. said, touchingly — "I was too late in knowing Christ." "Twill save us from a thousand snares to mind religion young."

III. IT IS A GREAT PRIVILEGE TO BE "IN CHRIST." The apostle speaks of that which was of first advantage, and it is compared with other advantages. In Philippians 3. Paul gives an account of all his Hebrew advantages, and counts all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ. But let me advert to other privileges.

1. National privileges. It was a privilege to be a Roman, and the apostle valued that privilege. It is a privilege to be an Englishman, and there are peculiar privileges belonging to some positions in our country, but all of them put together, in comparison with the advantage of being "in Christ," are as nothing.

2. What a privilege is the sight of the eye, and the brightness of the sun! Is there no privilege in the spiritual vision and the glory of the Sun of Righteousness?

3. What a value in life! What is the spiritual life worth?

4. And especially viewed in the light of eternity. If not "in Christ" when you die, you will die in your sins. "In Christ," or no resurrection of glory at the last day, but a resurrection of judgment and condemnation.

(J. Stratten.)

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KJV: Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us.

WEB: Greet Mary, who labored much for us.