So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
Galatians 3:26-28 NIV
In this chapter, Paul has been contrasting the Old Testament Law with faith. The Law was good and served a purpose, but it could never bring life. In contrast to that is faith. It is through faith that we have life in Christ and become children of God.
From ‘In the World’ to ‘In Christ’
When I respond to God in faith, he does something pretty dramatic. My location changes from ‘in the world’ to ‘in Christ’. I am baptized (immersed) into Christ, and my reality becomes tightly connected with his. We are clothed with Christ when we are immersed in him. Salvation is not just a matter of pledging allegiance to God. It is taking on the identity of Jesus. Not to say that we become Jesus. But we are wrapped up in him, and he is our all.
A significant consequence of this is how it changes my relationship with other people. It is not just me who has been immersed in Christ. But many others have as well. Together, we are all one in Christ. And the differences that have previously divided us should do so no longer. In Jesus there is no male or female; no white, black or brown; no American, Mexican, or any other nationality; Republican, Democrat, or Independent; or anything else that divides us in the world. We are all one in him and should live that way.
Love One Another
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
John 13:34-35 NIV
