New Hope Revival Ministries

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In Him — The Foundation of Divine Love

Steven Shelley

Steven Shelley

New Hope Revival Ministries

February 6, 2025 · 5 min read

Living from Position, Not Performance

“And ye know that He was manifested to take away our sins; and in Him is no sin. Whosoever abideth in Him sinneth not: whosoever sinneth hath not seen Him, neither known Him.” - 1 John 3:5-6

The Divine Placement

The deep longing in the heart of a true Believer finds fulfillment not in religious striving but in a profound reality—being “IN HIM.” This position transcends mere doctrine, establishing the firm foundation of an authentic spiritual life. Here, His divine love transforms duty into delight.

Consider the profound declaration: “In Him is no sin.”  This declaration reveals far more than Christ’s own nature—it unveils the inherited standing of every genuine Believer. When God’s amazing grace positions a person in Christ, that Believer enters a realm where:

  • Victory is inherited, NOT achieved
  • Righteousness is received, NOT earned
  • Love flows from divine nature, NOT human effort

From Position to Possession

The mystery of this standing unfolds through progressive revelation. Those who are placed in Christ through the new birth discover that position precedes possession—every spiritual blessing, every divine attribute, and every holy desire flows from being “in Him.” This truth liberates the heart from religious performance, establishing a foundation of received grace instead. Here, in this holy place, believers inherit the reality of divine love and find themselves not striving for victory but living from a place where victory has already been secured.

The Call to Abide

Yet this position calls for active response. The apostle John links this sublime position with a continuous choice. “Whosoever abideth in him” links position with choice. Position provides the possibility, but abiding actualizes the reality. This holy habitation requires:

  • Daily renewal of divine fellowship through His Word
  • A moment-by-moment conscious choice to remain in communion with Christ through prayer, worship, and meditation on His goodness

Through abiding, position transforms into practical experience, and divine love finds pure expression through yielded vessels. As a branch draws life from the vine, so does the Believer draw Life from Christ.

“Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.” - John 15:4

The Nature of Divine Love

Divine love, flowing from this established position, manifests with unique characteristics. Unlike natural affection, which rises and falls with circumstance, this love remains steadfast because it originates from an unchanging and eternal source—God Himself. It expresses not merely human kindness but divine nature. In Christ, love becomes not just an action but an identity, not merely a choice but a state of being. The heart positioned in Him discovers capacity for love that transcends natural ability, flowing instead from His indwelling presence.

Transformation Through Position

Within this sacred position, transformation occurs naturally, or should I say Supernaturally.  As branches draw life from the vine, those positioned in Christ find themselves changed by His nature. Religious effort gives way to spiritual influence, striving yields to receiving, and human love elevates to divine expression. This position becomes the wellspring from which all spiritual reality flows - authentic worship, genuine fellowship, and transformative ministry.

New Patterns of Relationship

Moreover, this position in Christ establishes new relationship patterns. Those who abide in Him naturally, or maybe I should say Supernaturally, express His nature in their interactions with others. Fellowship takes on a divine quality, moving beyond mere human connection to spiritual communion. The body of Christ functions in unity, with each member drawing from and expressing the same divine Life and Love.

The Reality of Our Inheritance

Consider the profound implications: In Him exists:

  • No sin
  • No defeat
  • No inadequacy

Therefore, those who are positioned in Him inherit this standing. Victory becomes a present reality, not a distant goal. Love flows from divine nature, not human capacity. Every spiritual need finds its answer not in personal effort but in this blessed position— in Him.

It is time for every Believer to embrace this supreme reality. Position determines possession. Location establishes capacity. Being in Him provides the foundation for expressing His nature. As this truth settles in the soul, religious striving ceases, replaced by restful abiding. Divine love flows freely, unhindered by human limitation, expressing instead His limitless nature.

“And now may these people who have the Token, that they’ve passed from death unto Life, they’ve changed from the old worldly life to a new one. The Blood has been applied, and God gave them a token sign. May they take that Token in their hands and say, ‘I am a purchased product of God. I am in Christ, and in Him is no sickness. I am in Christ, and in Him is no sin. I am in Christ, and in Him is no unbelief. I renounce everything that the devil has told me. I take my Token that ‘He was wounded for my transgressions; He was bruised for my iniquity; the chastisement of my peace was upon Him; and with His stripes, I was healed.’ And I now hold the Token, that God has recognized me, that purpose, Person, purchased by the Blood of the Lord Jesus. I go with determined faith…”  - Rev. William Branham  63-0901E  Desperations

A Prayer of Positioning

Heavenly Father, Deepen our understanding of this sacred position in Christ. May we remain conscious of this divine placement:

  • Drawing Life from Your Presence
  • Expressing Love from Your Nature
  • Living from Position, not performance

Let Your love flow freely, transforming every relationship and ministry.

In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.

“And ye are complete in Him, which is the head of all principality and power.” Colossians 2:10

Reflection Questions

  1. How does understanding your position in Christ change your approach to spiritual growth?
  2. What areas of my life still reflect striving rather than abiding?
  3. How might my relationships transform as I live from position rather than performance?

Remember: Position determines possession. Location establishes capacity. Being “in Him” provides the foundation for expressing His nature.