Union And Communion

by J. DORRICOTT | Category: Union And Communion | Oct 1952

The grand and glorious theme that Paul presented to the Ephesians was "The Church which is His Body," of which Christ is the Head. "We are members of His Body." Paul sets before them their high and holy standing in Christ and their union with Him in the first part of the letter; while the last three chapters &e occupied with their state (or condition), which should be in keeping with their

heavenly calling. He tells them in the first chapter of their being chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world, predestinated (before marked out, or destined beforehand) unto the position of sons; this being made effectual through His blood, by which we also are redeemed; bringing with redemption the forgiveness of our trespasses, making known to us the mystery of His will (which is, to head up all things in Christ). He has sealed us 'with His Holy Spirit, which is the pledge of our inheritance until the time comes for the redemption of the purchased possession, which will, at His coming be presented unto Himself. This is grand and glorious; something that will lift our hearts to the One who has done all this for us, who has "dealt graciously with us in the Beloved One." But there is something more yet, and for which the apostle prays, "that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him; having the eyes of your heart enlightened, that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints" (Ephesians 1. 17, 18).

Now notice carefully the marvellous truth which follows-"And what the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe" (verse 19). We see the manifestation of "the might 9f His power" to us; it is the same mighty power, the same energy of the strength of His might as when He raised up Christ from the dead and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenlies, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. "He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him to be Head over all things to the Church, which is His Body, the fulness of Him that filleth all in all."

We say, the same energy of God's might that did all this for our Lord Jesus Christ (in raising Him from the dead, making Him conqueror over death and Hades, receiving Him up in glory, manifesting His triumph as He passed through the heavens to every principality, to every power, giving Him the Name above every name, seating Him at His own right hand) is the same mighty power (yea, the exceeding greatness of it) that was exercised on our behalf to effect our union with Christ, to effect our being united with our risen Head in glory.

"'Twas great to call a world from naught,

'Twas greater to redeem"

All that Christ has done, all that He is in the value and worth of His own glorious Person, all the secured triumphs of the cross, are reckoned to us because God sees us in Him. "For both He that sanctifieth, and they that are sanctified are all of one; for which cause He is not ashamed to call them brethren."

Now we come to the most precious part as it affects ourselves. Let us go back and read again Ephesians 1.18-28. Having done so, we will pass on to the second chapter and link on what follows-"And you," think of that! You see the link, don't you? "And you did He quicken, when ye were dead through your trespasses and sins

God being rich in mercy, for His great love wherewith He loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, quickened us together with Christ (by grace have ye been saved), and raised us up with Him, and made us sit with Him in the heavenly places, in Christ Jesus: that in the ages to come He might shew the exceeding riches of His grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus .

for we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works."

Now we see this glorious truth of union with our living Head sparkling before our eyes.

What was done for our Lord Jesus Christ is also done for us, that we may be to the praise of His glory. He was made to live by the power of God, we also are made to live, even when we were dead through our trespasses. He was raised by the energy of His might; we are seen as raised with Him by the exceeding greatness of His power; He was seated at God's right hand; we have been made to sit together with Him in the heavenlies. The exceeding greatness of God's power has done this for us in grace; the wealth, the untold wealth, of the triumphs of the cross and resurrection are all reckoned to us; we are seen by God in Him, and with Him, and also as members of His Body. "For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works."

"Oh teach us, Lord, to know and own

This wondrous mystery,

That Thou with us art truly one;

And we are one with Thee.

Soon, soon shall come that glorious day,

When, seated on -Thy throne,

Thou shalt to wondering world's display

That Thou with us art one. Amen."

J. DORRICOTT | Oct 1952
Union And Communion