How many times does "in Christ" appear in Ephesians and what does it mean?
The recurring prepositional phrase 'in Christ'—along with 'in whom' and 'in Him'—is said to appear ninety-six times in Ephesians. It always refers to the believer’s position in Christ, a spiritual reality received by faith when one believes and is placed into the Body of Christ by the Holy Spirit, not by feeling.
Les explains this while teaching Ephesians 1:10, where the verse says God will gather together in one all things in Christ during the dispensation of the fullness of times—the millennial reign. He calls 'in Christ,' 'in whom,' and 'in Him' the prepositional phrase he constantly highlights in Ephesians, stating it occurs ninety-six times in the six-chapter letter and always points to our position in Christ. He illustrates with a son's question: how do we know we are in Christ if we do not feel or look different? Les answers, by faith. Scripture says when we believed, we became members of the Body of Christ, baptized or placed into it by a work of the Holy Spirit—even though we do not feel that.
That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:
More Questions
How many times does Ephesians use the phrase 'in Christ' or similar phrases?
In Ephesians, the phrases 'in Christ,' 'in whom,' and 'in Him' occur about ninety-six times and always refer to our position in Christ.
What are the 'both' things gathered in Christ in Ephesians 1:10?
The two groups God will bring together in Christ are things in heaven and things on earth.