Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the saints and faithful brethren in Christ at Colossae… (Col. 1:1-2)

What does it mean to be “in Christ?” How do I know whether I’m truly in Christ or whether I just profess belief in Christ?

1. Do you sense something decisively different about your identity? 2 Cor 5.17: if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.
2. Do you desire to live a godly life? (Intrinsic personal desire, not external/social coercion). 2 Tim 3:12: Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.
3. Do  you “glory in” (delight in, celebrate, boast in) Christ Jesus? Phil 3:3: …for we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh.