Living Union With Christ

by McIlreavy, T. | Category: For Young Believers | Sept 1955

The vital matter of living union with Christ is the theme of this article. It will be considered in two aspects.

Paul's claim in Ephesians 3.1-18 is a passage of Scripture worthy of much consideration. It is not an exclusive claim he makes as to the revelation of the Mystery of Christ and the Church, as he is careful to state in verse 5 that it was made known unto the holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit. Yet nevertheless we are deeply indebted to the pen of the apostle Paul for the knowledge of the fact that such a mystery is being unfolded and wrought out in this period of time. Unto Paul, who says that he was less than the least of all the saints, was the grace given to "make all men see what is the dispensation of the mystery which from all ages hath been hid in God" (Ephesians 3.3-9), to illuminate the administration of the mystery which is being enacted now though secreted in times eternal (Romans 16.25).

Paul's deep understanding of the wonderful revelation made to him enabled him to set before men the amazing fact that the Gentiles were fellow-heirs and fellow-members of the Body and fellow-partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus, through the gospel (Ephesians 3.6). The word "fellow-members" shows how closely linked are believers with Christ. Thus all believers in Christ in this dispensation of grace are linked in living union with Him. On His part He nourishes and cherishes the Church because the members thereof are members of His Body. All believers are sealed by Him and have eternal life, and this phase of living union with Christ applies to all believers whether they are more gifted or lesser gifted than other members. It is a matter of grace and not of works.

This union with Christ is eternal, and is not in any way subject to any circumstances of life other than belief in Christ as a Saviour. This unique feature of being in Christ, never to be severed, makes heaven secure.

What from Christ the soul can sever,

Bound by everlasting bands?

Once in Him, in Him forever,

Thus the eternal covenant stands."

The display of divine wisdom in the union of husband and wife is indeed great, but if such a mystery in human relationship is great, how much greater is the mystery of Christ and the Church, as revealed in Ephesians 5.22-83? Here we see human relationship raised in our estimation by the teaching of the close relationship of Christ and the Church, and in many ways the realization of what we are in Christ, and the magnitude of His free grace to us, should cause us to live closer to Him, that He might be glorified in us.

This brings us to the consideration of another aspect of living union with Christ. The truth of the Body is not conditional on obedience, but the enjoyment of this other phase of living union is dependent upon our appreciation of Christ. This phase of divine truth is seen in John 15., where the Lord refers to Himself as the vine and to disciples as the branches. It is a union designed to bring forth fruit. Men and women may live for Him as an expression of their kn6wing that they are in Him. The apostle goes deeply into this when he speaks of himself not only being in Christ but of Christ being in him. It is the realization of both these things which causes us to desire to live for Him. So Paul said, " Christ liveth in me , "for me to live is Christ." This is a phase of living union with

Christ which should cause each one of us to consider our response to the claims of the Lord upon us.

McIlreavy, T. | Sept 1955
For Young Believers