The Mystery of the Union–Part Three
In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul explains that our lives are a reflection of the spirit that we contain. He says, “In times past, ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience” (Ephesians 2:2) and we were the “children of wrath” (Ephesians 2:3). Yet, “even when we were dead in sins, (God) hath quickened us together with Christ” (Ephesians 2:5). Now, “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:10).
These first verses in chapter two of Ephesians take the reality of spirit union and show that this union is found in believers and non-believers alike. Paul says that we all have been operated by Satan, who he refers to as “the prince of the power of the air.” We are born into union with Satan’s spirit, and he then does his work of evil through us to accomplish his evil will. But when we are “saved by grace through faith in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:8), we are transformed to “do good works.” By Christ’s death on the cross, we put our faith in Him. Through this faith, the spirit within us is switched, and we become what we were created to be. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:10). Now we will bear fruits “unto good works” because the Spirit of Christ in us produces the good fruits. Yes, God has created us not to live life separated from Him, but to CONTAIN His spirit and produce His good works.
Paul similarly states, “In Christ also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who worketh things after the counsel of His own will” (Ephesians 1:11). He goes on say that Christ “filleth all in all” (Ephesians 1:23). Christ works all things by working through us. He fills everything. Since He is “all in all,” then we are assured that He is in us and He fulfills His desire by working through us. Paul uses the word “all” multiple times here so that no doubt can be raised. “All” does not leave any room for alternatives. Independent has no mention or place in our lives as Christ is “all in all.” God has proved His love to us by sending His only son to die on the cross for us. We know that Christ’s blood washes away our sins and serves as the singular and eternal atonement. Our penalty has been paid with the perfect blood of Christ. Yet we have been given so much more than just simple atonement. We have been given a new life, and that life is in Christ. Now, in union, we are joined to Christ as the lie of independence has been crucified with Christ. What an awesome treasure to know and acknowledge and live by faith the “riches of the glory of the mystery” of the union life with Jesus Christ.
