THE UNION OF CHRIST AND THE BELIEVER.
THERE is no Bible truth more clearly defined by Christ than the union which exists between Himself and the believer. In the memorable prayer which He addressed to the Father, as recorded in the seventeenth chapter of John, this union is brought out very fully. After praying for His disciples then living, He says, "Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also that shall believe on Me through their word." This request covers all time from the personal departure of Christ from this earth to His personal coming again. And what did He ask for them? Let us read slowly and thoughtfully; for there is unfolded a wondrous truth, which even "the angels desire to look into:" "That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in us." And again: "I in them, and Thou in Me, that they may be made perfect in one." The Purpose of This Union.
What reason did Christ give for this request? - "That the world may know that Thou hast sent Me." Verse 22. This union, perfected in the believer, is to prove to the world the divinity of Christ, that He was sent of God. The divine life of Christ is to shine out to the world from the hearts of those who are one with Him. But this is not all: "And hast loved them, as Thou hast loved Me." Glorious truth! This love was shown in the gift of His Son to redeem them. Christ was the embodiment of this love; and with Him in the heart of the believer, it will be radiated to the world.