All Are Yours

“Therefore let no one boast in men. For all things are yours: whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas, or the world or life or death, or things present or things to come – all are yours. And you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s” (1 Cor. 3:21-23)

This is a mind blowing statement by Paul – that all things belong to us. That in Christ, we have become the lords of this world, of life and death, of the present and the future. We do not boast in men. We do not find our confidence our own strength or wisdom or planning. But rather, because Jesus has overcome every obstacle, endured even death itself, we rest assured that all things must serve our good. Nothing can stand in the way of God’s good plan. If you belong to Christ, then you are as safe and secure as Christ in God. And this is what baptism means. Baptism means that we do not belong to ourselves. We are not left to the devices of men, the scheming of politicians, the prognostications of economists, or the whims of popular culture. Baptism means that we belong to Christ, and in Him we have inherited all things. All things must serve us because all things already serve Christ. Nico, you have known and believed the gospel for many years, but today you are formally marked as a member of Christ’s body. Today, the God who has carried you through many years marks you with His indelible name. This means that all things belong to you. You are not lacking anything for you are Christ’s and Christ is God’s.