Theology gets a bad rap these days. As we slide back towards paganism, theology seems farther and farther from the ecstatic, individualistic spiritual ideal to which we're descending.
That's why I love the Puritans so much, and their immediate spiritual children. They had a faith that hit you both in your heart and your head.
I recently taught through the book of Ephesians. One thing that struck me was how often the phrase "in Christ" appeared. I meditated on that a lot. What is this mystical union we have with Him? What does it mean to be "in Christ"?
According to Ephesians 1, it means everything. In Him we have redemption, we've been blessed with every spiritual blessing, we've been predestined, and have been marked with a seal.
The theme is too vast for a blogging format, but I wanted to link you to a piece written by that great Calvinist "Prince of Preachers", Charles Spurgeon -- Bands of Love, or Union to Christ.
"When the eye is clear and the soul can evidently perceive this oneness between the soul and Christ, the pulse may be felt as beating for both, and the one blood may be known as flowing through the veins of each. Then is the heart made exceedingly glad, it is as near heaven as it ever can be on earth. . .Posted by Discoshaman at janvier 4, 2005 12:57 AM | TrackBack
Thanks for your thoughts on Ephesians. It is certainly a mystical relationship we have with Christ and I agree with you, the emphasis on being "in Christ" should not be missed. I love the Puritan writers, as well. Thanks, again...I appreciate the reminder.
Posted by: David Price at janvier 4, 2005 02:32 AM"in Christ" reminds me of John 17... maybe the passage throws some more light on it. However, it remains a mystery to wonder about indeed.
Thanks for your post.
Yeah, I think "in Christ" is the key to understanding some of the important theological language of Ephesians 1--and from there, it becomes a big theme throughout the book.
It's probably especially important to notice that the "unity" spoken of throughout is neither the "unity" of conformity or compromise, but is precisely unity *in Christ*.
Cheers,
PGE
How I love Spurgeon. His sermons have carried me through some very dark days.
I also love the whole "I'm in Christ, He's in me, We're all in God" concept. That makes me feel very covered- like I'm part of a big fat group hug.
Posted by: spiritual ingenue at janvier 6, 2005 01:17 AM