Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Overview:Life in God refers to the spiritual existence and relationship that believers have with God through faith in Jesus Christ. It encompasses the transformation of the believer's life, characterized by a new birth, ongoing sanctification, and the hope of eternal life. This concept is central to Christian theology and is rooted in the understanding that true life is found in communion with God.
Biblical Foundation:1.
New Birth: The concept of being "born again" is foundational to life in God. Jesus explains this to Nicodemus in
John 3:3, saying, "Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." This new birth is a spiritual rebirth, initiated by the Holy Spirit, that brings a person into a living relationship with God.
2.
Union with Christ: Life in God is intimately connected with being united with Christ. In
Galatians 2:20, Paul declares, "I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me." This union signifies that believers share in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, leading to a transformed existence.
3.
Abiding in Christ: Jesus emphasizes the importance of abiding in Him to experience life in God. In
John 15:4-5, He states, "Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me. I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing." Abiding in Christ involves a continuous, dependent relationship that results in spiritual fruitfulness.
4.
Eternal Life: Eternal life is a key aspect of life in God, promised to those who believe in Jesus.
John 3:16 affirms, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." This eternal life is not merely an unending existence but a quality of life that begins now and is fully realized in the presence of God.
5.
Indwelling of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in life in God by dwelling within believers.
Romans 8:11 states, "And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who dwells within you." The Spirit empowers, guides, and assures believers of their identity as children of God.
Practical Implications:1.
Sanctification: Life in God involves a process of sanctification, where believers are progressively conformed to the image of Christ.
Philippians 1:6 assures, "Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." This ongoing transformation is a work of God's grace, requiring cooperation and obedience from the believer.
2.
Communion with God: A vital aspect of life in God is maintaining communion with Him through prayer, worship, and the study of Scripture.
Psalm 16:11 declares, "You make known to me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore." This communion nurtures the believer's spiritual life and deepens their relationship with God.
3.
Living Out the Gospel: Life in God calls believers to live out the gospel in their daily lives, reflecting God's love and truth to the world.
Matthew 5:16 encourages, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." This witness is an integral part of the believer's life in God, demonstrating the transformative power of the gospel.
Conclusion:Life in God is a profound and dynamic reality for believers, encompassing a new birth, union with Christ, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. It is marked by a continual process of sanctification, communion with God, and living out the gospel, all rooted in the hope of eternal life.