Good evening. We are starting a new series on positional truth, and tonight is an introduction to the introduction. Because the subject is extensive, we will have to be selective. The aim is not merely to list many facts that are true of the believer, but to define positional truth clearly and explain what it actually means to be “in Christ”—why the phrase is repeated so often, what it signifies, and how it functions in the Christian life.
Positional truth concerns the Christian’s situation “in Christ,” as viewed from the Father’s perspective. The study begins by contrasting the believer’s former condition as unsaved with the believer’s present condition in Christ. From there, we consider Christ’s present position—seated at the Father’s right hand—and then observe that Scripture speaks of believers as being identified with Christ in ways that are not yet physically realized. This identification is presented as a change of position and situation, not merely a figure of speech.
The teaching also notes that Scripture speaks not only of the believer being in Christ, but includes related realities such as Christ being in the believer, and the Spirit being in the believer. Although these additional dimensions are not the main focus due to time constraints, they remain significant.
Another major component is the believer’s unity as part of the one body of Christ. This “into Christ” reality is described as a Spirit-worked change: believers are placed into a new position that creates unity across distinctions that remain present in earthly life.
The lesson then surveys longer passages where these ideas recur repeatedly, emphasizing that believers are described as co-identified with Christ—co-made alive, co-raised, and co-seated—language that is not describing a present physical experience, but a positional reality grounded in how the Father regards believers in Christ. This, in turn, is presented as a key mechanism for present-tense Christian living: believers are instructed to logically count as true what God says is true of their position, and to live accordingly, especially in relation to the sin nature.
The teaching concludes by underscoring that positional truth is not a niche technicality. It is a foundational doctrinal framework that explains why the New Testament repeatedly uses “in Christ” language, how it informs the believer’s mindset, how it shapes practical living, and how it contributes to growth and maturity within the body of Christ.
Summary (key takeaways)
Definition and scope: Positional truth explains what it means to be “in Christ,” focusing on the believer’s changed situation as God the Father sees it.
From old position to new: The Christian’s identity involves a decisive transition from the former unsaved condition to a new standing “in Christ.”
Identification with Christ: Believers are described as sharing in Christ’s death, burial, resurrection, and heavenly seating position—positionally, not yet physically.
Unity in the body: Being placed into Christ unites believers into one body, transcending distinctions that still exist in earthly life.
Practical mechanics: Positional truth is presented as central to present-tense Christian living—particularly the mindset and reasoning that supports victory over the sin nature.
Growth and maturity: The doctrine is tied to edification, spiritual growth, and maturity, showing why it is repeatedly emphasized in New Testament teaching.
