What is the meaning of 2 Corinthians 1:21? Now it is God who establishes both us and you in Christ • Paul begins by putting the spotlight squarely on God. Any sense of stability, security, or permanence in the Christian life flows from Him alone. The word “establishes” carries the idea of setting something firmly in place so it cannot be shaken. • Notice the inclusiveness—“both us and you.” The same God who steadied Paul and his ministry team is also strengthening the Corinthian believers. Our footing in Christ is not a tiered system; every believer, whether apostle or new convert, stands on the same solid foundation (1 Corinthians 3:11). • Being “in Christ” is more than a label; it is a positional reality. Colossians 3:3 reminds us, “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God”. That hiddenness underscores why nothing and no one can ultimately move us off the footing God has provided (Romans 8:38-39). • God Himself personally ensures this stability. Philippians 1:6 echoes the same assurance: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus”. Our perseverance rests on His promise, not on our performance. He anointed us • In Scripture, anointing signifies being set apart and empowered for divine purpose. Just as Old Testament priests, prophets, and kings were anointed to serve (1 Samuel 16:13), so every believer receives a spiritual anointing in Christ (1 John 2:20). • This anointing is not a vague spiritual feeling; it is the work of the Holy Spirit, equipping us to live and serve under God’s authority (Acts 1:8). The same Spirit who anointed Jesus for His earthly ministry (Luke 4:18) now indwells us. • The anointing carries both privilege and responsibility: – Privilege: We have direct access to God’s presence (Hebrews 10:19-22). – Responsibility: We are empowered to witness, love, and persevere in truth (Ephesians 2:10; 2 Timothy 1:7). • Because God is the One who anoints, no human circumstance can revoke or diminish that calling (Romans 11:29). Our confidence does not come from titles or outward success but from God’s irrevocable act of setting us apart. summary God Himself plants us securely in Christ and then equips us through His Spirit. Our footing and our function, our stability and our service, come from Him alone. The verse assures us that the One who firmly establishes us also faithfully anoints us, guaranteeing that we have everything needed to stand strong and serve well until we see Him face-to-face. |
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