1.72-74 Of the Privilege of Our Union with Christ in the Time of Death [and Beyond]

Section 1.72. Of the Privilege of Our Union with Christ in the Time of Death.

The privilege which the saints receive by their union with Christ in the time of death (even all that time that passes from the departure of the saints out of this world unto the general resurrection) is admirable: for when body and soul are severed one from another, neither soul nor body are separated from Christ, but both remain united to him: even as, when Christ's body and soul were by death severed one from another, neither his soul, nor his body were separated from the Deity, but both remained united thereunto. This inviolable bond that holds the saints, (yea, even their very bodies as well as their souls) united to Christ in death, is the benefit of a spiritual union. If our union with Christ were corporeal, it could not be so.

Corruption of the Body No Hinderance to Our Union with Christ

Objection. Is it possible that the body which is dead should remain united to Christ, when as it receives no virtue from him?

Answer 1. If a member of a natural body may do so, why not a member of the mystical body? That a member of a natural body may do so, is evident by those who have an hand, arm, foot, leg, or any other member taken with a dead palsy: they are sometimes so taken, as those parts receive no manner of sense, or any vigor, or life from head or heart at all: and yet remain true members of that body.

 2. The very dead bodies consumed with worms or otherwise, do receive a great present benefit from their union with Christ: for by virtue thereof there is a substance preserved, and they are kept from destruction: there is nothing destroyed in the saints by death, but that which if it were not destroyed, would make them most miserable, namely sin: that is utterly, totally, finally destroyed in them, and all the concomitances thereof, which are all manner of infirmities: but the rotting of the body, is but as the rotting of corn in the earth, that it may arise a more glorious body. [1 Cor 15:36] The metaphor of sleep, attributed to the saints when they die, [1 Thess 4:13] shows that their bodies are not utterly destroyed.

Difference Between the Preservation of the Saints' Bodies and Others' in the Grave

Objection. The bodies of all men, even of those that are not of this union, are preserved from utter destruction. This therefore is no benefit of our union with Christ.

Answer. Though in the general thing itself, which is a preservation of the substance of the body, the same thing befalls the saints and the wicked: yet the means whereby both are preserved, and the end why they are preserved is far different.

1. The saints are preserved by a secret influence proceeding from Christ, as an head: in which respect they are said to sleep in Jesus, and to be dead in Christ. [1 Thess 4:14,16] But the wicked are reserved by an almighty power of Christ, as a terrible Lord and severe Judge.

2. The bodies of the saints are preserved to enjoy eternal glory together with their souls: but the bodies of the wicked are reserved to be tormented in hell.

In regard of these differences, the grave is as a bed to the saints, [Isa 57:2] for them quietly to sleep therein free from all disturbance till the day of resurrection: but it is a prison to the wicked to hold them fast against the great Day of Assize, that at Doom's day they may be brought to appear at the bar of God's judgment seat, and there receive the sentence of condemnation.

Section 1.73. Of the Privilege of Our Union with Christ After Death.

The privilege which the saints by virtue of their union with Christ receive after death, far surpasses all before. It may be drawn to two heads.

1. Their resurrection.

2. Their glory in heaven.

That which was before said of the difference between the preservation of the bodies of the saints and wicked in death, may be applied to the difference of their resurrection.

Resurrection simply in itself is not the privilege of the saints, but Resurrection of life: to the wicked appertains the Resurrection of condemnation. [John 5:29] The benefit of resurrection arises from the glory which follows thereupon in heaven. That glory has the apostle excellently set forth before Eph 5:27. [see Sections 49-50]

Section 1.74. Of the Duties Which are Required of the Saints by Virtue of Their Union with Christ.

The mystery of our union with Christ, as it is a matter of great comfort, and encouragement (which arises from the forenamed privileges) so also is it a matter of direction and instigation unto us for the performing of sundry duties, whereof they who desire assurance of the forenamed privileges, and comfort by them, must be careful and conscionable. Some of the most principal of those duties are these.

1. Confidence in Christ. [Heb 3:6] Christ being our head, so mighty, so wise, so tender, every way so sufficient an head as he is, we should highly dishonor him, if we should not wholly and only repose ourselves upon him for every good thing, and against every evil.

2. Subjection answerable to his manner of governing us. [Matt 6:10] The world is subject to Christ perforce, as he is an absolute and Almighty Lord: but he governing us as an head, we must be subject unto him as members, willingly, and readily. What member will rise up, and rebel against the head? yea, what member is not as ready to obey, as the head to command?

3. A cleansing of ourselves from all filthiness of flesh and spirit. [2 Cor 7:1; 1 Cor 6:15] Shall we defile the members of Christ? The sins of the saints are in this respect the more heinous because that body, even Christ, whereof they are members, is defiled thereby. Wherefore in regard of Christ the head, of other saints their fellow members, and of themselves, must all that profess themselves to be of this body be watchful over themselves, and cleanse themselves from all filthiness. Otherwise they give just occasion to think that they are not members of this body. If a lion's foot, or bear's paw were held out, and said to be the member of a man, would any believe it? Can we then think that worldlings, drunkards, profane, riotous, unclean persons, and such like limbs of the devil, are members of Christ?

4. A conformity unto the image of Christ in true holiness and righteousness. [Eph 4:24] It is not therefore sufficient for the members of Christ to abstain from polluting themselves, for they are created in Christ Jesus unto good works. [Eph 2:10] He that abideth in me (says Christ) and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit. [John 15:5]

5. Heavenly affections. If ye be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affections on things above, and not on things on the earth. [Col 3:1-2] Where our head is, there also ought our heart to be. Earthly affections come not from that head which is in heaven: nor from that Spirit which proceeds from him. They who are after the spirit mind the things of the spirit. [Rom 8:5]

6. Courage against death: seeing that in death we are Christ's, what cause have we to fear death? Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that, have no more that they can do. [Luke 12:4] The ancient worthies would not accept deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. [Heb 11:35]

Hitherto of the union itself. The means of effecting it, remain to be handled.