The oneness of believers with Christ and with each other was brought about by His resurrection "from the dead.”
As soon as He left the grave, He said to Mary Magdalene, "Go to My brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto My Father, and your Father; and to My God, and your God." John 20:1717Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. (John 20:17).
Never were such words uttered before; indeed, they could not be uttered, because this blessed relationship did not exist till the Lord Jesus died and rose again. He said, "I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished!" He could not tell them what He so longed that they should know till He had passed through death and resurrection.
But as soon as He left the tomb, then He could tell it out in all its fullness and blessedness, even this glorious truth, that they were now one family, and that which was true of Him was true of them. His interests had become theirs, and His glorious future theirs also. The Lord Jesus in resurrection became the firstborn among many brethren. (Rom. 8:2929For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. (Romans 8:29).) And it was there also that He became the Head of His body, the Church. (Eph. 1:19-2319And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, 20Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, 21Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: 22And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, 23Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. (Ephesians 1:19‑23).)
Believers are now in this little interval between these two great events—the cross and the glory—forever delivered by the one and hastening on to the other, and at any moment they may be called away from this scene, to take their places with Himself in the glory. He "shall change our vile body, and fashion it like unto His glorious body.”
May all who know the joy of this blessed hope be kept very true and real for Himself and very separate from this evil world, till He comes. H. Tuggy