The apostle, indeed, elsewhere alters the phrase, when he says, _He that is joined to the Lord is one Spirit_, 1 Cor. vi. 17. which is so difficult an expression, that some who treat on this subject, though concluding that there is in it something that denotes the intimacy and nearness of this union, and more than what is contained in the other phrase, of their _being one flesh_, nevertheless, reckon it among those expressions which are inexplicable; though I cannot but give into the sense in which some understand it; namely, that inasmuch as the same Spirit dwells in believers that dwelt in Christ, though with different views and designs, they are hereby wrought up, in their measure, to the same temper and disposition; or as it is expressed elsewhere, _The same mind_ is in them _that_ was _in Christ_, Phil. ii. 5. which is such an effect of this conjugal relation that there is between him and them, as is not always the result of the same relation amongst men. The reason why I call this our being united to Christ, by faith, is because it is founded in a mutual consent; as _the Lord avouches them_ on the one hand, _to be his people_, so they, on the other hand, _avouch him to be their God_, Deut. xxvi. 17, 18. the latter of which is, properly speaking, an act of faith; whereby they give up themselves to be his servants, to all intents and purposes, and that for ever. It is farther observed in this answer. That union with Christ is a work of God’s grace: this it must certainly be, since it is the spring and fountain from whence all acts of grace proceed; and indeed, from the nature of the thing, it cannot be otherwise: for if there be a wonderful instance of condescending grace in God’s conferring those blessings that accompany salvation; this may much more be deemed so. If Christ be pleased to _dwell_ with, and _in_ his people, and to _walk_ _in_ them, 2 Cor. vi. 16. or as it is said elsewhere, to _live in them_, Gal. ii. 20. as a pledge and earnest of their being forever with him in heaven; and if, as the result hereof, they be admitted to the greatest intimacy with him; we may from hence take occasion to apply what was spoken by one of Christ’s disciples, to him, with becoming humility and admiration; _how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world?_ John xiv. 22. Is it not a great instance of grace, that the Son of God should make choice of so mean an habitation, as that of the souls of sinful men; and not only be present with, but united to them in those instances which have been before considered? 2. It is farther observed in this answer, that we are united to Christ in effectual calling; which leads us to consider what is contained in the two following answers. Footnote 1: