In the discussion on positional truth, the speaker continues from a previous introduction, emphasizing the concept of being in Christ. He highlights the use of Greek prepositions, particularly “eis,” which means “into,” to describe entry into the body of Christ. This preposition underscores a significant change that occurs upon becoming a Christian, involving the Holy Spirit’s role. The session focuses on passages illustrating this entry, the timing of the change, and its implications for believers.
The speaker begins with a prayer, thanking God for the opportunity to study this transformation in perspective upon salvation. He then examines John 14:19-20, where Jesus anticipates future unity, stating that He is in the Father, believers are in Him, and He is in believers. This introduces multiple positional relationships. In John 15:1-8, Jesus uses the vine and branches metaphor to stress abiding in Him for bearing fruit, noting that without abiding, no fruit is possible. This passage underscores the practical importance of positional truth for spiritual productivity.
Continuing in John 16:33, Jesus promises peace in Him despite worldly tribulation, having overcome the world. In John 17:17-23, during His prayer, Jesus speaks of sanctification and unity, praying for believers to be one in Him and the Father. Here, “eis” appears in the Greek for “believe into Me,” emphasizing a shift from unbelief to faith, marking a positional change.
The discussion shifts to Acts 19:1-5, where Paul encounters disciples of John the Baptist unfamiliar with the Holy Spirit. Paul explains that John’s baptism was of repentance, pointing to belief in Christ. The Greek “eis” is used multiple times, translated as “into,” highlighting changes in baptism and belief. The speaker clarifies that “baptizo” means “to immerse,” not sprinkle, and relates it to immersion into Christ’s body.
In Acts 26:18, Paul describes turning from darkness to light, receiving forgiveness through faith “into” Christ, again using “eis” to denote change. Moving to 2 Corinthians 1:21-22, God establishes believers in Christ, sealing them with the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of salvation, tying this to initial faith rather than later experiences.
In Galatians 2:14-16, Paul addresses confusion over the law, asserting justification by faith in Christ, not works, with “eis” in “believed into Jesus Christ.” Galatians 3:24-28 explains the law as a schoolmaster leading to faith, after which believers are sons of God, immersed into Christ, eliminating distinctions like Jew or Gentile, slave or free.
The speaker references 1 Corinthians 12:12-18, where the Holy Spirit baptizes all into one body, emphasizing unity and diverse roles, like body parts. In Romans 6:3-4, believers are baptized into Christ’s death and resurrection, enabling a walk in newness of life, further illustrating positional immersion.
Finally, in 1 John 2:4-6 and 3:21-24, abiding in Christ is linked to keeping commandments and loving others, providing assurance through the Spirit. The speaker concludes that positional truth is practical, affecting thinking, behavior, and present-tense salvation, not just an abstract fact.
