Thursday, 3 July 2014
But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him. 1 Corinthians 6:17
We are shown that the bond between a man and a woman who are united in marriage is likened to our union with Christ. Paul said in the previous verse that the two “become one flesh.” In a similar manner, but on a spiritual level, “he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit with Him.” The words “with Him” are inserted for clarity, but the Greek actually says, “one spirit is.” There is a spiritual connection to each believer that is realized when they receive Jesus Christ as Lord.
In this verse then is not only the establishment of the concept of oneness in spirit, but the truth that because we are one in spirit, our actions now truly affect that bond. This is why Paul is so adamant about our rejection of sexual immorality. To engage in perverse acts after being saved is to do so when united to Christ. Paul is asking them to seriously think this through from the eternal perspective.
But there is also one other point of doctrine which is implicitly upheld by this very verse; the doctrine of eternal salvation. If we are joined to the Lord in this way, then it becomes apparent that our salvation must be eternal. If we engage in a perverse act, such as adultery, and it is something that affects our union with Christ, then it must be that the union with Christ is maintained despite the fault. Otherwise, Paul would have noted it as a warning that the bond would be severed. However, nowhere is that concept even hinted at. Thank God for what Jesus has done. We continue to be saved, despite ourselves.
In his ever-consistent way of describing our union with Christ, we see that Paul speaks of it elsewhere. Here a two examples from the book of Galatians –
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20
“For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” Galatians 3:17
Life application. We are one with the Lord in spirit. He lives in us and we have put Him on as our garment of righteousness. Let us attempt to always live up to that glorious position. He is holy and so let us act in holiness as well.
With Christ I too have been crucified
It is no longer I who live but He
When I called on Him, at that moment I died
And the life I now live is one in Him, eternally
I now live by faith in the Son of God
Who loved me and gave Himself for me
Help me Lord, in Your steps always to trod
And to reflect in You a life which is pure and holy
For surely into Christ I was baptized
And in Him is eternal life realized
Father of glory, I know that through Christ my Lord I am again united to You. And yet at times I find myself falling very short of this high and exalted position. My thoughts and actions belie the Name which I now bear and it grieves me when they do. So Lord, keep reminding me, nudging me, and guiding me. Help me to walk in paths of righteousness and to bring honor to You. Amen.