July 22

"Who also were in Christ before me." — Romans 16:7.

THE persons here spoken of, are Andronicus and Junia, of whom much is said in a few words. It appears they were related to Paul, and suffered with him for the Gospel's sake; were eminent among the apostles, and had experienced a saving change, previous to the period of Paul's conversion. From this passage we learn,

IT IS THE CHARACTER OF EVERY CHRISTIAN THAT HE IS IN CHRIST. We may be great proficient in knowledge, and yet not be in Christ. Knowledge is a flower that may grow to a great height in the wilderness of corrupt nature. We may be regular in the performance of the outward duties of religion, and yet not be in Christ. Judas, Demas, Ananias and Sapphira, Hymeneus, and Philetus, once renowned as true Christians, made shipwreck of their faith. But what is it to be in Christ? It is

To be united to his matchless person. There are three mysterious unions in our holy religion: the spiritual union of the three Divine Persons in one Godhead; the personal union of the Divine and human natures of Christ; and the mystical union between Christ and his people. This union is real. This is evident from the figures and phrases by which it is expressed in Scripture, John 15:1; Ephesians 2:20; v. 30. This union is mysterious. It is a mystery that shall be better understood in the light of glory. "At that day," says Christ, "shall ye know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you." It is indissoluble. It is only cemented by age, and strengthened by death; Romans 8:38, 39.

To be interested in his saving relations. As a Prophet, he is our light; as a Priest, he is our propitiation and Advocate; as a King, he subdues the enmity of our hearts, and defends us from the enemies of our souls. He is our Friend to confide in; our Physician to heal us.

To partake of his inestimable blessings. Those who are in Christ have a rich inheritance. They have peace with God, and peace of conscience; Christ is theirs; his Spirit is their guide; his covenant is their charter for the holy inheritance; his righteousness is their garment for the marriage supper of the Lamb; his fulness is their treasure; his promise is their security; and his heaven will be their everlasting home. It is the condition of all the ungodly that they are without Christ. Seek, therefore, to be in Christ; not only by professing his name, but by partaking of his grace, and living to his glory. Here is the test: "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature."

"On the rich depths of love divine, Of Eliza, a boundless store! Dea, Saviour, let me call thee mine, I cannot wish for more!"

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