To delve deeper into this concept, the phrase "in Christ" does not strike me as a temporary condition that shifts between different forms of existence. Instead, it resembles the act of climbing a ladder within a philosophical framework that interrogates the very nature of existence itself. In this light, the notion that reducing one’s own existence somehow makes one more "in Christ" appears paradoxical and illogical. I do not simply dissolve into Christ; rather, Christ holds a position in heaven as our High Priest, while I, in turn, remain grounded here on earth. Therefore, to be "in Christ" is to experience the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. When the Holy Spirit is present within us, it follows that the presence of Christ is also realized through the Spirit, and consequently, God the Father is present as well. At the moment of our birth, we are brought into existence as a unified whole, comprising both body and soul; these two elements are intertwined within our being. This inherent duality is fundamental to who we are, as we were created to exist as a harmonious blend of body and soul for eternity. However, the introduction of sin into the world has resulted in an unnatural rift between these two aspects of our existence. When scripture speaks of the body of Christ, it conveys that the fullness of Christ resides within the confines of space and time. In a similar vein, when it refers to the soul of Christ, it indicates that the complete essence of Christ is also present within those same temporal and spatial boundaries. There exists no division between these two faculties; while they are distinct, they cannot be fully separated or conflated. This principle also extends to our own existence. We are perpetually present in the physical realm, while our spiritual essence dwells within the greater context of being "in Christ." Our five senses play an indispensable role in our experience of this state; they are not inherently evil, but they have been tainted by the presence of sin. Our physical bodies are vital to our relationship with Christ, as we express our worship and devotion through them. Just as our entire being is shaped by God's sovereign will, which places us within a specific time and space in this finite world, we simultaneously grapple with the reality of sin and moral decay, which subjects us to the inevitability of mortality. The acknowledgment of our depravity is as indisputable as our union with Christ in faith. Does this perspective resonate with your own understanding?