Pentecost, Unity and being "In Christ"

As Pentecost Sunday approaches on May 24, it is worth reflecting on the scriptural themes of prayer, unity, and the manifestation of the Holy Spirit on that first Pentecost. Vickers and McCall, in Love Divine, draw attention to how the New Testament letters describe what it means to be “in Christ” through the image of adoption into God’s household (Rom. 8:15; 9:4; Gal. 4:5; Eph. 1:5; 2:19). Paul develops this vision in a truly Trinitarian way.

On Adoption and the Spirit

·       The Holy Spirit’s work is grounded in the doctrine of the Spirit’s person, who proceeds eternally in communion with and love for the Son and, together with the Son, for the Father. Because of this, the Spirit’s work is inherently unitive, joining us to Christ and to one another in him.

·       God sent the Son so that we might receive adoption (Gal. 4:4–7), and it is the Spirit who testifies with our spirit that we are indeed God’s children (Rom. 8:15-16).

·       Adoption also involves a change in the way we live through regeneration. To deny this is would be, “to accept the legal status of being God’s child “In Christ” but to refuse to move to God’s house, to call God Father, and to act as an adopted child.”

What a joyful and timely theme this is. In this church age, we are members of the household of God. Jesus is building his Bride, the Church (Matt. 16:18), through his disciples. So let us live that identity openly and go public with witnessing good news of Jesus, as members of the Body. Let us be unashamed to be known as those who are “in Christ.”

Come Holy Spirit! And may you, in this church age, may you receive Christ’s work with joy! May you be connected to witness both locally and globally. May your life reflect love for God and neighbor in the world through the church. May you be found waiting in the way God prescribes and Scripture teaches. Happy Birthday, Church!

Thanks be to God!

Pastor Ricky

Faithbridge GMC, Eastertide 2026