One with Christ

When God brought Eve to Adam, he received her with joy, and said, "This at last is bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh" (Gen. 2:23). Adam and Eve were one flesh, and were to have one heart. The same terms are used in Scripture to express the believer's union with Jesus Christ. We are called Christians after Christ's name, and made partakers of Christ's nature. Out of his fullness believers receive grace for grace. O infinite condescension! O ineffable union! Hence it is that believers are said to be members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones. Hence it is, that the apostle, speaking of himself, says, "It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me" (Gal. 2:20). What an expression! How much it comprehends! The question was given to the Corinthians: "Do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? - unless indeed you fail to meet the test!" (2 Cor. 13:5). Agreeable to this is Colossians 1:27: "Christ in you, the hope of glory." Therefore in communion, our church directs the ministers to acquaint all those who receive the sacrament worthily, that they are one with Christ, and Christ with them; they dwell in Christ, and Christ in them. These words deserve to be written in letters of gold.

George Whitefield Daily Readings, Randall J. Pederson, ed., Christian Focus Publications, 2010,  June 15 reading.