What does it mean to be in Christ? In this message, Darren Rowse explores the deep truth of our union with Christ—the foundation of our identity and spiritual growth.
Below you’ll find a video and audio recording of his message as well as a summary article and small group discussion questions.

Living in Christ: Finding Our True Identity in Him

The Search for Belonging

This past Sunday, Darren explored the deep human longing for identity and belonging, beginning with a reflection on high school cliques. He shared his own experience of feeling like an outsider, recalling how his peers in the "in-crowd" had specific looks, interests, and social markers that dictated who was accepted.

While this dynamic is obvious in teenage years, Darren pointed out that the pressure to fit in continues into adulthood. Society constantly reinforces the idea that our worth is based on achievements, possessions, or external validation—whether through career success, financial stability, relationships, or social status. The message is clear: get these things right, and you will be accepted.

However, Darren contrasted this with the way of Jesus, who teaches that identity is not something we achieve, but something we receive. Rather than striving to belong, Christ offers a new identity that transforms us from the inside out.

Growing Deeper: A Journey of Transformation

Darren continued by reflecting on the Deeper series, which has been exploring how believers grow in their relationship with Christ. The past two weeks laid two foundational truths:

1. The love of the Father – In week 1 Tim explored how true transformation begins when we rest in the unshakable love of God, knowing that we are loved as fully as Jesus is loved by the Father (John 17:23).

2. The spiritual discipline of despair – While we often try to grow through effort and self-discipline, real change happens when we surrender. As Tim explored last week, coming to the end of ourselves allows us to fully rely on God's power, rather than our own strength.

This week, Darren introduced another essential element of spiritual growth: our union with Christ. He explained that this is not just one theological idea among many, but the very foundation of the Christian life.

Union with Christ: The Heart of the Christian Faith

The concept of being in Christ is central to the New Testament, appearing more than 200 times. Darren quoted theologian Rankin Wilbourne, who describes it as "the foundation upon which everything else rests." Another scholar, Dane Ortlund, calls it the "controlling centre" of Christian belief.

But what does it actually mean to be united with Christ? Darren unpacked this concept through Jesus’ own words in John 15, where He describes Himself as the vine and His followers as the branches:

"Abide in me, and I in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me." (John 15:4)

This mutual indwelling—where Christ is in us and we are in Him—is at the core of the Christian life. Jesus doesn’t just stand beside us as a teacher or guide; He actually dwells within us, and we are called to dwell in Him.

How the New Testament Describes Union with Christ

While Jesus uses the metaphor of the vine and branches, the Apostle Paul expands on this idea in several ways:

1. The Body of Christ – Paul describes Jesus as the head and the church as His body (1 Corinthians 12:27). Just as a body and head are one, believers are inseparably connected to Christ.

2. Marriage – Paul uses the analogy of a bride and groom to describe the deep union between Christ and the church (Ephesians 5:31-32). Just as a married couple becomes "one flesh," believers are joined to Christ in an intimate, transformative relationship.

3. Identity Shift – Throughout Paul’s letters, he uses the phrase "in Christ" over 160 times. For Paul, being a Christian isn't just about following Jesus—it’s about having a completely new identity in Him (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Four Key Aspects of Our Union with Christ

Darren referenced the work of New Testament scholar Constantine Campbell, who identifies four dimensions of being united with Christ:

1. Union – A deep, unbreakable spiritual connection to Jesus.

2. Participation – Sharing in Jesus' life, death, and resurrection (Galatians 2:20, Romans 6:3-4).

3. Identification – Being defined by our relationship with Christ rather than our past, our sin, or the world’s expectations (2 Corinthians 5:17).

4. Incorporation – Becoming part of Christ’s body, the church, and sharing in His mission (Ephesians 4:15-16).

Responding to This Reality

So what do we do with this truth? Darren suggested three key responses:

1. Marvel at It

Our union with Christ is a mystery that should lead us to worship. Darren quoted Sarah Leear Hall, who describes this reality as staggering:

"That I—a creature—might have my life actually, organically, and eternally linked to the Son of God himself… is overwhelming."

Paul’s response to this reality in Ephesians 1 is repeated praise—"Praise be to God!"—as he lists the blessings that come from being in Christ: adoption, redemption, forgiveness, and an eternal inheritance.

2. Rest in It

Unlike the world’s way of striving for identity, being in Christ is not something we achieve—it is something we receive. Darren emphasised that this truth is meant to bring deep rest to our souls.

If we are in Christ, then:

• Our worth is not based on our performance.

• Our holiness is not something we manufacture, but something that flows from Him.

• Our security is not in our own strength, but in His finished work.

3. Grow Into It

While union with Christ is a gift, we are called to grow up into it (Ephesians 4:15). Darren used the analogy of a child wearing their parent’s oversized shirt—it already belongs to them, but they will grow into it over time.

This growth happens through:

• Learning about Jesus in Scripture

• Talking and listening to Him in prayer

• Living out our faith in daily life

• Serving others as part of Christ’s body

The Impact of Being in Christ

Darren closed with a reflection on how this truth should change everything. If Jesus is truly in us, then our lives should look different:

• Our relationships should be shaped by His love and grace.

• Our thinking should be renewed by His Spirit.

• Our decisions should reflect His priorities.

• Our confidence should come from knowing that He is at work within us.

He challenged the congregation to imagine how their week would be different if Jesus physically walked beside them. The reality, however, is even greater—He is not just with us; He is in us.

Discussion Questions for Small Groups

1. How does the world pressure us to "achieve" our identity rather than receive it?

2. Jesus describes abiding in Him as a mutual indwelling (John 15). How does this challenge or reshape how you think about your relationship with Him?

3. Jesus describes our union with Him using metaphors like the vine and the branches (John 15) and Paul speaks of the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12) and marriage. Which metaphor resonates with you the most, and why?

4. Have you ever struggled to believe that you are truly "in Christ"? What helped you grow in that understanding?

5. If we are in Christ, how should that shape our priorities, relationships, and daily habits?

6. How does knowing you are united with Christ help you navigate challenges, suffering, or uncertainty?

7. Darren spoke about "growing into" our union with Christ. What is one area of your spiritual life where you need to mature?

8. Read Ephesians 1:3-14. What blessings do we receive in Christ, and how do these shape our sense of identity?

9. Darren compared our spiritual growth to a child growing into their father’s shirt. What are some ways you feel like you’re still “growing into” your identity in Christ?

10. How can you remind yourself this week that Jesus is alive in you?