“Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God — for no man can do these miracles that thou doest — except God be with Him.” Jn.3:2 “And the glory which thou gavest me — I have given them; that they may be one — even as we are one. (23) I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one — and that the world may know — that thou hast sent me — and hast loved them — as thou hast loved me. (24) Father, I will that they, also, whom thou hast given me — be with me — where I am — that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me — for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world!” Jn.17:22-24 “Behold, a virgin shall be (with) child — and shall bring forth a Son — and they shall call His name, Emmanuel — which being interpreted is: God with us.” Mt.1:23

Jesus, from Jn.3, replies to Nicodemus — who says to Him that which is conveyed here, from vs.2 — except a man be born again he cannot accurately make the observation communicated from vs.2 — that God is “with Him”. The expression, “with Him” denotes: an intimate, personal union and communion with God. This sort of union is something that each of us want to have — with our Savior — as we traverse through this troublesome world.

How marvelous it is, indeed, to also know that the truth of the next text from Jn.17 is a true description of our state of being. It is beyond grand to realize that we are so gloriously loved by God — in His precious and perfect Son. And, because we have been chosen and placed in Him (His eternal Son) [Je.31:3; Eph.1:2-4] — we can be assured that we are also “with Him” (I.e. in an intimate, personal union and communion with Christ)!

We could not possibly have as sure and firm an understanding of our being in union with the Christ — without His incarnation into our humanity being historically represented like it has been! He — God’s eternal, only begotten Son — was born of a virgin woman into our humanity — and is called: “Immanuel” — which being interpreted means: “God with us”; or, God being united with us!

This fulfills the scriptural description of He.2:14-15: “Forasmuch then — as the children are partakers of flesh and blood — He, also — took part of the same that through death [the consequence of the sins of the flesh] He might destroy [or, render powerless] — him that had the power of death — that is the devil (15) and deliver them — who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.” Therefore, the birth and incarnation of the Christ of God was specifically for the deliverance of all of the fallen, yet loved and chosen children of God! Praise His Name! Hence, He.2:17 goes on to explain: “Wherefore in all things it behooved Him to be made like unto His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God — to make reconciliation [or, propitiation] for the sins of the people.” He was sent to be united “with us” so that we might be united “with Him”.

For Christ’s Glory Only!
– John Carpenter

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