Baptism and the Lord's Supper (1 Cor. 10) are for the wilderness. The first introduces into the wilderness; but it is Christ's death, not mine only. I thereon reckon myself dead as a consequence, planted in baptism in the likeness of His death. But in Romans we have not resurrection with Him; and even where we have, as I think we must say in Col. 2, no ascension, no Canaan.
As the one brings into, the other sustains in, the wilderness. So we show forth Christ's death till He come. I am on the earth, but in the consciousness of being a member of the one body, which implies union with Christ; but it is on earth I celebrate it, not in heaven. I look at the humiliation as over with Him, but remember Him in it. Our service in it is simply owning the preciousness of His death till He comes. Our state is in resurrection; but we are occupied and celebrate His having been once down here, and show forth His death. The question is, Where are we when we celebrate it? In the wilderness. J.N.D.