What’s in a Name?
Why 'Inchristus'?
As readers already know, my handle here is “Inchristus”. And, my website is named “ἐν Χριστῷ” (Greek for “in Christ”), with the domain name as inchristus(.com), the Latin equivalent of the Greek.
But why? What’s behind the name, ἐν Χριστῷ? A passage that reflects this expression comes from Paul’s letter to the Colossians in which he writes:
It is he whom we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone in all wisdom, so that we may present everyone mature in Christ (ἐν Χριστῷ). Colossians 1:28
What follows is a devotional that I was asked to write while serving as a mentor in the New City Fellows program sponsored by our church. The parameters for the devotional were: Scripture, my reflections, and a prayer that follows from the first two. Since what I wrote for this assignment corresponds to the name of my website and Substack space, I offer it here to answer the question, “What’s in a name?” As you read through, I’m hopeful you can see why the expression “ἐν Χριστῷ” is so very important to me.
SCRIPTURE
Psalm 139
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” Galatians 2:20
“Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again?” Galatians 4:8-9
“Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: ‘The Lord knows those who are his.’” 2 Timothy 2:19
“To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory … To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.” Colossians 1:27, 29
“For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” 1 Corinthians 13:12
“But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.” 1 Corinthians 15:10
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.” 2 Corinthians 4:7
REFLECTIONS
“Who am I?” Seriously. This is not a trick question. If I had to answer, I’d likely respond with many categories in mind: race, ethnicity, gender and sexuality, age, career, family status and roles, friends, social capital, educational achievements, financial well-being, personal esteem, political affiliations, etc. At one time or another, and to one degree or another, these domains are front and center, and most often they over-lap.
In my early years as a Christ follower, Christian community seemed to think that the question “Who am I?” was not as important as the question, “Who is God?” The principal way to answer this was to know God’s Word. And so, like all my believing friends, I set out to memorize Scripture, join Bible studies, take sermon notes, and so forth. The working assumption seemed to be that knowing God is not only a worthy goal, but one that every Christian must vigorously pursue.
But here’s an ironic twist. As I meditated on God’s Word in order that I might know him better, I realized this goal was short-sighted. I discovered (from Scripture no less!) that instead of me knowing God, it was God knowing me that matters most. Re-visit carefully the select passages from Paul letting this idea frame your reading. Not only did he recognize the importance of being known by God, but Paul was convinced that living for Christ was secondary to having Christ’s life lived out through his own. On a couple of occasions, in fact, Paul practically conflates his personal identity with that of Christ’s! Because “it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me” Paul resolutely claims “to live is Christ“ (Galatians 2:20; Philippians 1:21). To be known by God is to be saturated with Christ himself. This idea is captured by the oft-repeated expression “in Christ,” used some 52 times by Paul in his epistles (variations on the phrase exceed that number by almost 4 times). To be “in Christ” is not just a place to be found; it is a person by whom we are found.
The implications are sweeping. If it’s true that I have died and my life is now hidden with Christ in God (Col 3:3), then every word I speak, every thought I think, every activity I engage puts Christ on display. Not only am I to believe in Christ, but I participate in his life by living my life on his behalf. As God’s image-bearer, I am his representative here on earth, everywhere, to everyone, always. Being adopted into God’s family means I am his child and carry forth his hallowed name into the workplace, neighborhood, and beyond. Every waking moment, it is Christ who knows me and who lives his life through me giving all that is essential to my identity at every turn. This means, at least, that I am not just a male; I am a Christian male. I am not just a neighbor; I am a Christian neighbor. I am not merely a husband and parent; I am a Christian husband and parent. All these categories of identity find their fulfillment from being known by God.
To be sure, knowledge of self and knowledge of God are immensely important. But what’s most valuable is that God knows me. Being known by God sums my life and summons my life. Being known by God defines my life and determines my destiny.
PRAYER
“O Lord, you have searched me and known me.” Would you not only make me aware but help me embrace this wonderful truth that I am known by you? And in that embrace, grant that I rest in the eternal comfort it brings.
Lord Jesus, enable me to lose myself in you and cling to the truth that your life defines mine. May your name be hallowed in the words I use, the feelings I feel, the thoughts I think, the attitudes I express, and the relationships I hold.
By your Spirit, would you use my life as a sacrament, or means of grace, so others might see that they, too, are known by you? Help me help others recognize that you are the main character in the story that narrates life. I know that you can; I pray that you would.
Most merciful God, where there is forgetfulness, remind me that I am known. Where there is indifference, inspire me by your Spirit. Where there is loneliness, fill me with your presence. Where there is moral failure, grant a repentant heart. Where there is despair, incline me to lean into Christ, who is my “hope of glory.” I know that you can; I pray that you would.
Father, all these things I humbly ask in the name of your Son, by the power of your Spirit, for the praise of your glory, now and forever. Amen.
I’m indebted to Brian S. Rosner for the inspiration that seeded this devotional. See his ‘Known by God’: The Meaning and Value of a Neglected Biblical Concept. For a less technical approach see his book, Known by God: A Biblical Theology of Personal Identity.