March 26

"For ye are all one in Christ Jesus." — Galatians 3:23.

CHRISTIANITY is a system of peace; it is designed to effect peace between God and man, and teaches us to be at peace among ourselves. Let us observe in this passage

THE UNION OF EACH BELIEVER TO CHRIST. A state of grace is often described as being "in Christ."

It is a spiritual union. All the professors of religion are nominally united to Christ, but there may be a visible connection without a vital union. To be in Christ is to have the heart changed, to be interested in him, to love him, trust in him, delight in him, and find our all in him. This union is effected by the Spirit; connected with spiritual objects, feelings, desires, and enjoyments.

It is a close union. It is compared to the vine and the branches, the head and the members, and the foundation-stone and the building. It is to be "partakers of the Divine nature;" to put on the Lord Jesus Christ, to grow up into him, to imbibe his Spirit, and hold the most intimate communion with him.

It is an eternal union. Death dissolves all human ties, however tender and endearing, and parts the nearest friends; but he has no power over this union. The body and soul must part; but Christ and the believer shall never be separated.

THE UNITY OF ALL BELIEVERS IN CHRIST. Note: though there are shades of difference in their views of Divine truth, they are all agreed in the grand essentials. Christ is the great object of attraction — the centre where they all meet — the circle around which all their desires revolve — the sea of love, under whose shining waves they delight to plunge. Christians, in what respects are we all one?

One Lord is above us. We acknowledge none but Christ as our Head; and to him we bow, in his service we engage, and to his tribunal we are amenable.

One righteousness is upon us. As a robe, not only to cover and defend, but to adorn and beautify us. We rely on the same atonement, build on the same foundation, plead the same merits, and receive of the same fulness.

One Spirit is within us. Into this Spirit we drink. The Holy Ghost dwells in the hearts of all God's people, as in a temple. There is in them a oneness of principle, desire, motive, pursuit, and end.

One home is before us. Believers are as so many members of one family; millions have reached their Father's house, and multitudes are now on their way thither. How desirable is it that they should cultivate feelings of love and harmony, "endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace!"