We understand, therefore, that the expression in Christ, as employed in I Thessalonians is not referring to the individual who at one time has indicated a willingness to accept Christ as Savior and has been baptized in water, who is professing faith in the facts of the atonement and resurrection, and who by the fact of church affiliation and belief is nominally a Christian. This may be how we define a Christian today but it is not a true concept of what it means to be in Christ.

To be in Christ is to be living by Him as He lives by the Father. Consider in what manner, to what extent, Christ lives by the Father. The Father is Christ's Life. The Two are One—totally, inseparably One! All that is found in Christ is found in God. All that is found in God is found in Christ. The two Lives are one Life. The Wheel of God dwells forever in the Wheel of Christ (Ezekiel 1:16). Christ is the eternal Chariot in whom God rides.

In this same manner we are to be one with Christ. We are to be totally, inseparably, one with Him. All that is found in Christ is to be found in us. All that is found in us is to be found in Christ. The two lives are to become one. The two are to live as one eternal Life. The Wheel of God and of Christ is to dwell forever in the wheel of the saint. Each saint is to be an eternal chariot in whom the Godhead dwells to the ages of ages (Psalms 68:17— NIV).

But how are we to receive the body and blood of Christ? To him who overcomes will be given to eat of the hidden manna. As the tribulations of life pressure us and beat us down, and we call on the Lord in our distress, the Life of Jesus lifts us up.

As we press forward in faith, encountering numerous dreads, pains, confusions, and call on the name of the Lord, the Life of God in Christ enters us and raises us up. In this manner we learn to live by the body and blood, by the Life Substance of Christ. It is the way of cross-carrying obedience to the Lord.

Few believers of our day appear to be willing to embrace the way of cross-carrying obedience. They forever are seeking to be looking for relief from the pains of life. They do not have the patience to wait before God and hope in Him. As a result, their life is one of defeat and ignorance of God.

They are seeking deliverance from their tribulations. God desires that their tribulations be the instrument through which He can work eternal life in them, but they prevent this operation by their insistence on peace and pleasure now. By seeking to maintain a satisfactory life in the flesh in the present world they are defeating their own resurrection. How many are doing this today?

We do not mean to imply that we should not be calling on God for deliverance from all our problems. We indeed should do so. We must do so. We must pray always—in every situation. The afflictions of the righteous are many, but the Lord delivers them from every enemy of spirit, soul, and body as they call on Him (although some deliverances may not be realized in fullness until the Day of the Lord).

To be continued.