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Union with Christ

Walking With Giants Posted on by

A. Its nature

  1. A covenantal relationship, analogous to marriage.  For OT background, see Isa 54:5-8; Jer 3:14; 31:32; Hos 2:7,16.  In the NT Eph 5:31-32
  2. Facilitated through the incarnation, Jn 1:14. See also Ro 8:3; 2Co 5:21; Gal 4:4; Php 2:7-8; 1Ti 3:16; Heb 2:14-18
  3. Entered through faith, Jn 3:16. See also Jn 1:12; 2:11; 7:38; Ac 16:31; Ro 3:22; 8:1; 10:9-10; 2Co 5:17; Gal 2:16
  4. Enriched through the sacraments: Baptism, Ro 6:3-5; Gal 3:27. See also Mt 28:19; Ro 6:8; Col 2:11-12; the Lord’s Supper Mt 26:26-28 pp Mk 14:22-24 pp Lk 22:17-20; 1Co 10:16; 11:23-29.
  5. Affects every aspect of life, 1Co 6:17. See also Jn 15:1-8; 17:20-26; Ro 8:9-11; 1Co 6:19-20; Gal 2:20
  6. Mysterious, Col 1:27 See also Eph 5:32

B. Its significance

A basis for a holy, faithful life, and for sharing in all of Christ’s benefits.

For the believer
  1. Identification with Jesus Christ, Mt 10:40. See also Mt 18:5; 25:40; Eph 1:1; Php 1:1
  2. An experience of being in Christ, Ro 8:10; 2Co 5:17. See also Jn 14:20; 2Co 13:5; Gal 2:20; Eph 3:14-19; Col 1:27
  3. Conformity to Jesus Christ, Col 3:1-4. See also Mt 16:24 pp Mk 8:34 pp Lk 9:23; Ro 6:5; 1Co 6:15-17; 2Co 4:10; Eph 2:6; Php 3:10-11; 1Pe 4:13; 1Jn 2:6,28; 3:24; 5:20
  4. Righteousness in Christ, Ro 4:23-25; 2Co 5:21. See also Ro 1:17; 1Co 1:30
  5. Every spiritual blessing in Christ, Eph 1:3-14
For the church
  1. In persecution, Ac 9:3-5. See also Ac 22:6-8; 26:14
  2. In service, 1Co 12:12. See also Ro 12:4-8; 1Co 12:27; Eph 1:22-23; 5:28-30; Col 3:15

(Based on Dictionary of Bible Themes, Martin H. Manser)

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