Encouragement in CHRIST JESUS ~ 11 May, 2024 A.D.

"There is one body and one Spirit." -Ephesians 4:4 [KJV]

St. Paul exhorts saints to a holy, loving, peaceful walk. He knew nothing could effect this, like the consideration, that they all composed one body, of which the holy, loving, peaceful Jesus is the head. While the power of this truth lives in the heart, love prevails in holiness before God and peace with our brethren. Then, in sweet fellowship, we say, with Abraham to Lot, “Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee—for we are brethren” (Genesis 13:8.) 

There is one body. Saith our Lord, “A body hast Thou prepared Me” (Hebrews 10:5.) As Christ had a natural body, formed by the power of the Holy Ghost, which He was to inhabit, in which He was to atone for sin, fulfil all righteousness, and make intercession for transgressors; so He has also a mystical body, chosen and given Him by God the Father: in and over all these He is head. This is a sweet word. “God gave Christ to be Head over all things to the church, which is His body” (Ephesians 1:22.) 

Believing sinner, art thou a member of His blessed body, united to this ever precious, ever glorious Head? Envy not monarchs. Covet not more. Study thy dignity. Live like thyself. Glory in thy Head. Look down with contempt, on all things below Christ and heaven. There is one Spirit. He flows from the Head: hath united us to the Head. Makes us like the Head; and causes us to rejoice in the Head. For Christ is all, and in all His members. By this one Spirit He animates, guides, and comforts them. 

Learn hence, (1st.) to love and praise God, for the gift of Jesus, to be all things to us. 

(2d.) To glory of, and rejoice in Christ our Head, Who has done all for us, and is all to us. “For in Him we are complete” (Colossians 2:10.) 

 (3d.) Give glory to the loving Spirit, Who convinced us of sin, shewed us Christ, united our hearts to Him by faith, and causes us to look to, live upon, and be comforted by Jesus, our covenant Head. 

(4th.) Endeavour to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace between Christ and His members. Saints’ strifes are Satan’s sport; they grieve the Spirit, and distress our minds. As we expect to live together with our Head above, let us follow the things which make for peace, and wherewith one may edify another below (see Romans 14:10.) The power of this faith, of being one with Christ, is most amazing. It works by the love of Christ, produces love to Him, and to all His members, as being one in Him. Lord, increase our faith! 

 

United unto Christ our head, 

By the dear Spirit’s pow’r, 

We feed on Him our living bread, 

And wait His coming hour. 

‘Twill not be long before Christ come, 

We hear our Bridegroom’s voice; 

He made us one, He’ll take us home; 

My soul, in this rejoice.

 

-preacher Wm. Mason (1724-1797 A.D.)

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