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Retro-Christian: In Christ

Matt Ahearn

What does it mean to be a “retro-Christian”? We define “retro” as “a fashion reminiscent of the past” (Wordnet). Certainly, being a retro-Christian has nothing to do with dressing in New Testament apparel. Instead, the Word of God contains truths that we consider ancient and that we may claim to follow. However, these “retro” truths are essential if we, as the body of Christ, wish to regenerate our culture. It is time to return to these truths and become “retro-Christians.”

This month, we begin a study through Ephesians. This book, though rich in theology and controversy, is highly important for anyone wishing to regenerate culture and become a retro-Christian.

In Christ Jesus

Like many other letters, Paul probably authored Ephesians during his imprisonment in Rome. The epistle largely contains two parts as the first three chapters contain a great deal of information about who Christians are in Christ Jesus. Meanwhile, the final chapters feature exhortation on living the Christian life.

Paul begins this letter with a typical greeting. He identifies himself as an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God and clarifies that he is writing the saints, the Christians, in Ephesus. He specifically calls them the faithful “in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 1:1-2). Paul uses that phrase, or other variations, at least fourteen times in the epistle. And it is important. The saints of God, whether they are in Ephesus, Jerusalem, or even Rome, are mutual and together in Christ Jesus.

One of the main themes throughout Ephesians is unity. The phrase “in Christ Jesus” may best describe this unity. As believers, we may hold different views on random theological issues; however, we are still in Christ Jesus. Because of this, we follow the same Shepherd, serve the same Lord, and worship the same Savior.

In reality, the first verse (the first mention of “in Christ Jesus”) actually begins a short series on what it means to be “in Christ Jesus.”

Every Spiritual Blessing

Paul continues and writes one of the most controversial, yet inspiring, passages in the Bible, saying:

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love, he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will — to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. (Ephesians 1:3-6, NIV, emphasis added)

As I said earlier, this passage often sparks much controversy. Certainly, these three verses are fun to debate and discussions can be beneficial, but, as retro-Christians, our intent is not to declare war on each other, but to remember that we are “in Christ Jesus.” Thus, putting aside thoughts of war, we see that Christ blesses us in the heavenly realms with “every spiritual blessing.” Likewise, in Him we are chosen, loved, and are “the elect.” Often, we argue about how we became chosen, loved, and elect; however, we sometimes miss the fact that we simply are those things in Christ. How often do we actually sit in amazement that our great God would even love sinful people, much less want them to spend eternity with Him?

We can argue about our election and theology, but the fact is that we are the elect. We are in Christ Jesus. If we wish to change communities, states, and, yes, even the culture, then we must fully realize that we are in Christ Jesus. We must make sure that we take this retro truth and become “retro” ourselves.

What We Receive

After summarizing the facts of our election in Christ Jesus, Paul elaborates on our blessing in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 1:7-14 reads:

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself, that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth — in Him. In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, that we who first trusted in Christ should be to the praise of His glory. In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory. (NKJV, emphasis added)

In this somewhat lengthy passage, Paul adds three more “in Him” references and covers a great amount of material. We see that, in Christ, we receive redemption through His blood and the forgiveness of sin. In addition, we have knowledge of the mystery of His will, a glorious obtained inheritance, and the seal of the Holy Spirit of promise, which is the guarantee of that glorious obtained inheritance.

Perhaps we often overlook these portions of Ephesians. The fact is, we are redeemed through Christ’s blood since we are in Christ. He died the same death for all who would come to know Him and be in Christ.

Likewise, the same Holy Spirit seals each person who is in Christ Jesus. The same Holy Spirit is our helper and sealer of our salvation. The same Holy Spirit powerfully came upon the disciples in Jerusalem. Christ promised this same Holy Spirit. Do we act as if we serve the same Holy Spirit?

Unified in Christ

Paul wrote the Corinthians with a similar attitude, saying:

Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. (1 Corinthians 1:10, NKJV, emphasis added)

Paul exhorts the Corinthians to be “perfectly joined together in the same mind” and that they be not be divided. Literally, in the Greek, “divided” means “split or gap.” Often, we split and create a gap through our different conviction about the fine print of theology. However, Christ is not divided. As followers in Christ Jesus, we serve the same Savior. We receive the same redemption and Holy Spirit. And, we should be retro.

Now We Can Change

How then do we work to become retro and to stand united in Christ Jesus? Thus far, we have seen the challenge. Where are our hearts? Are they united? Are they divided? If they are divided, how do we take on the challenge and change? How do we become retro-Christians?

The answer to that question may be complicated; however, Titus 3:9 commands us to avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, contentions, and strivings about the law. In fact, Paul goes so far as to say that they are unprofitable and useless! Now, if you are of an argumentative nature like me, you may not appreciate a statement like this. But, though it can hurt, it is important. Those who are in Christ Jesus are to avoid foolish disputes and contentions. Theological discussion has a place, but if we wish to be retro-Christians, it is more beneficial to look to avoid foolish disputes and contentions. Instead, we should focus on the fact that we are in Christ Jesus, saved by the same blood and powered by the same Holy Spirit.

In Conclusion

Being a retro-Christian is more than a name. It is more than reading this article. It is more than writing this article. Instead, it is a return to truths that we often forget in the heat of a theological battle. However, as retro-Christians we must remember that we serve the same Jesus and we are in that Christ Jesus. We are the body of Christ. Are we divided? Or, are we retro?