Reason 1. Because Christ together with all the faithfull makes one mysticall body, 1 Corinthians 12.12.
2. Because being compacted in this body, they partake of the very life of Christ, Ephesians 4.16.
3. Because they shew forth this life or power in bringing forth fruits answerable thereunto, Iohn 15.5,16.
Vse 1. This may serve to comfort us, when we rightly esteeme of the dignity of this condition, it will strengthen our mindes against all the troubles that can befall us therein.
2. To exhort us, so to carry our selves as it becommeth those, that are called to partake of the life of Christ.
Doctrine 17. By that union which all the faithfull have with Christ, they are made spirituall temples, Priests, and sacrifices acceptable to God.
This is gathered from the 5 verse.
Reason 1. Because God is in an especiall manner present with them, and dwels in them by his Spirit and grace, as in his Temple, 2 Corinthians 6.16.
2. Because By the same spirit he makes them fit and ready to performe those duties, that are more acceptable unto him, then were ever any externall sacrifices, Psalme 51.18,19. Hebrews 13.16.
3. Because in performing these duties before God they do offer and dedicate themselves wholly unto God.