Note 14 at 1 Cor. 1:30: By the work of God through the new birth we are now "in Christ Jesus." This terminology is used frequently by Paul to describe our relationship with Christ. The word "in," as used in this verse and defined by the American Heritage Dictionary, means "a condition, state, or attribute."

Note 15 at 1 Cor. 1:30: The new birth (see note 2 at Jn. 3:3, p. 92) doesn't just produce a changed life, but an exchanged life. That is to say, that the Lord doesn't make our flesh wise, righteous, sanctified, or redeemed. Instead, He becomes our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption.

The Christian life is not only difficult to live, it is impossible to live through our own ability. It is only when we cease to operate from self and let Jesus live through us that we can obtain victory.

For instance, a person who depends on his own intellect to figure out the direction for his life will always make mistakes. The proper way for a Christian to act is to humble himself and ask God for direction. Then the wisdom of Christ within us will come out and He will direct our path (Prov. 3:6).

Instead of depending on our acts of righteousness to earn the blessings of God, we should accept the fact Jesus has given us His righteousness. In Christ (or through Christ) is the only way that we will ever be righteous enough to approach God.

Our body and soul are not yet redeemed (see note 11 at Rom. 8:23, p. 800), but our spirit is. Jesus lives in the spirit of believers and all His wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption is available to us if we will depend on Him instead of our own abilities.