United In Christ

United in Christ

There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.

Romans 8:1-2

What do you believe? What truths are foundational in your life? How do these truths compare with those around you?

An FAQ page from the Pennsylvania Dutch Country Welcome Center describes Amish beliefs this way: “Both Mennonites and Amish believe in one God eternally existing as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Romans 8:1-17). We believe that Jesus Christ, God’s only Son, died on the cross for the sins of the world. We believe that the Holy Spirit convicts of sin, and also empowers believers for service and holy living. We believe that salvation is by grace through faith in Christ, a free gift bestowed by God on those who repent and believe.”

When I read this, I believe the same, yet my lifestyle looks far different from an Amish person’s. Does one of us have it wrong? Not quite.

Those who believe in the foundational truths of Scripture live a variety of lifestyles. There is a difference between my Christian community and an Amish community, but there is also a difference between African Christians, South American Christians, and Eastern European Christians. These differences are external—dress, traditions, music, and style of church services—but it’s what’s on the inside that counts.

For those who put their faith in Jesus there is no condemnation. My “laws” might be different from someone else’s, but through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life has set me free from the law of sin and death (see Romans 8:2). Because of Jesus we are more similar than different. Because of Jesus we can spend eternity together, serving and glorifying Him and communing with one another—members of God’s body, each with his or her own part.

Dear heavenly Father, I thank You that Your gift of salvation makes me free from sin and death and unifies me with an amazing, varied body of believers.