Union with Christ

I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20

Beloved,

At the end of a marriage ceremony right before the pronouncement of the marriage, the minister usually quotes Mark 10:9, “What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (KJV). God joins a husband with a wife and the two become one flesh. They are united. In this union, marriage provides a small picture into our salvation with Christ.

As sinners we do not just have faith, but we have faith in Jesus Christ. Our faith and trust in Jesus Christ alone for our salvation, unites with Christ. We are no longer two but one. Therefore, every benefit of salvation is ours in Christ. We are in Christ and Christ is in us. We are like Christ and we are with Christ. Our old self was crucified with Christ on the cross setting us free from sin therefore we, “must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus” (Romans 6:11). Every benefit that we now have in our salvation is intimately connected to our union with Jesus Christ. Wayne Grudem writes,

From God’s counsels in eternity past before the world was created, to our fellowship with God in heaven in eternity future, and including every aspect of our relationship with God in this life—all has occurred in union with Christ.[1]

Take a moment to stop and think that we are united with Christ. His death is our death. His resurrection is our resurrection. His righteousness is our righteousness. His eternal life is our eternal life. His inheritance is our inheritance.

God does not merely save us from our sins, but unites us with His Son for all eternity. Pay attention to how often the New Testament says “in Christ,” “in Him,” “with Christ,” and “with Him.” Open your eyes to the joy and beauty of being united with Christ. We no longer live, but Christ lives in us. The life we now live in the flesh, we live by faith in the Son of God.

As God has joined us together with Christ, let no man put asunder. Do not allow the flaming arrows of the evil one to limit your salvation for you are united with Christ. You are no longer two, but one. Beloved, we have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in Christ Jesus (Eph. 1:3). Salvation is to be one with Christ. Praise God, Jesus love us and gave Himself for us so that we could be one with Him!!!

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[1] Grudem, Wayne. Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine.  Zondervan. Grand Rapids, MI. p.840

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