In Christ

Paul the Apostle helps us understand the mystery of being "in Christ." He said "I know a man IN CHRIST... I will boast about a man like that, but I will not boast about myself, except about my weaknesses." 2 Cor 12:5. He knew himself in himself to be frail and sinful, but he moved in the power and ability that God provided. He intentionally, daily, stepped into the role, the Anointing, which was who God called him to be. "Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ [the Anointed One]...(1 Corinthians 1:1)
That is the image that God had of him before the foundation of the world, before sin marred creation.