Union with Christ: Assurance, Ethics, and Witness

 

Summary

In our journey as believers, the question of whether our relationship with Christ changes when we see Him face-to-face in glory is profound. Our union with Christ is eternal and unchanging, even as we transition from being justified to being fully glorified. This union is the foundation of our relationship with God, allowing us to call Him "Our Father" and experience His fatherhood in heaven. Our salvation is never found outside of Christ, and our communion with Him grows from this unshakeable union. As we mature in faith, our dependence on Christ deepens, and in glory, we will experience the fulfillment of this relationship, where every tear is wiped away.

The discussion also touched on ethical dilemmas, such as Rahab's dishonesty in Joshua 2. It's crucial to understand the context and the principle of disclosure, where not all information is rightfully accessible to everyone. In situations where ethical dilemmas arise, we must be cautious not to justify actions that go against God's law, even if they seem to serve a greater good. Our conscience and intentions are vital, and we must avoid situational ethics that can lead to moral compromise.

In the face of cultural shifts and increasing pressure on Christians in workplaces and society, we are reminded of the early church's experience. The church's distinctiveness in valuing life, marriage, and truth was a powerful witness in a hostile culture. As we navigate these challenges, we must remain steadfast in our convictions, even if it means facing persecution. Our role is to be a light in the darkness, not to conform to the world but to uphold the truth of the gospel.

Creeds and confessions serve as valuable tools for articulating biblical truths and safeguarding against false teachings. They are not replacements for Scripture but are meant to help us understand and express the whole counsel of God. While they can be misused, they provide a framework for discipleship, worship, and theological clarity. We must use them with grace and patience, helping others grow in their understanding of these foundational truths.

Finally, assurance of salvation is rooted in faith in Jesus Christ. While our assurance can wax and wane, it is ultimately grounded in the promises of God. The evidence of a transformed life and the internal witness of the Holy Spirit provide additional assurance. Our faith is not a momentary act but a lifelong relationship with Christ, characterized by personal, rational, emotional, and volitional trust in Him.

Key Takeaways:

- Our union with Christ is eternal and unchanging, forming the foundation of our relationship with God. This union allows us to experience God's fatherhood and is the basis for our communion with Him. As we grow in faith, our dependence on Christ deepens, culminating in the fulfillment of this relationship in glory. [02:02]

- Ethical dilemmas require careful consideration of context and the principle of disclosure. We must avoid justifying actions that go against God's law, even if they seem to serve a greater good. Our conscience and intentions are crucial, and we must resist situational ethics that can lead to moral compromise. [09:47]

- In the face of cultural shifts and persecution, the church's distinctiveness in valuing life, marriage, and truth serves as a powerful witness. We must remain steadfast in our convictions, shining as a light in the darkness, and not conforming to the world. [15:37]

- Creeds and confessions are valuable tools for articulating biblical truths and safeguarding against false teachings. They provide a framework for discipleship, worship, and theological clarity. We must use them with grace and patience, helping others grow in their understanding. [30:50]

- Assurance of salvation is rooted in faith in Jesus Christ and the promises of God. While assurance can wax and wane, the evidence of a transformed life and the internal witness of the Holy Spirit provide additional assurance. Our faith is a lifelong relationship with Christ, characterized by personal, rational, emotional, and volitional trust in Him. [43:48]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:26] - Eternal Union with Christ
- [01:02] - Justification and Glorification
- [02:02] - Fulfillment of Our Relationship
- [03:24] - Communion Follows Union
- [04:15] - Ethical Dilemmas and Disclosure
- [05:10] - Marriage and Covenant of Grace
- [06:55] - Consummation in Glory
- [09:47] - Principle of Disclosure
- [13:13] - Navigating Cultural Shifts
- [15:37] - Persecution and Witness
- [21:56] - Historical Church Context
- [30:50] - Creeds and Confessions
- [35:41] - Assurance of Salvation
- [43:48] - Saving Faith and Assurance

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. John 15:4-5 - "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."
2. Romans 8:38-39 - "For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."
3. Hebrews 10:23 - "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful."

Observation Questions:
1. What does the sermon suggest about the nature of our union with Christ and how it changes or remains the same when we see Him face-to-face? [01:02]
2. How does the sermon address the issue of ethical dilemmas, particularly in the context of Rahab's story in Joshua 2? [09:47]
3. What role do creeds and confessions play according to the sermon, and how are they meant to be used in the life of a believer? [30:50]
4. How does the sermon describe the assurance of salvation and the factors that contribute to it? [43:48]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of an unchanging union with Christ provide comfort and assurance to believers, especially in times of doubt or struggle? [02:02]
2. In what ways can the principle of disclosure help Christians navigate ethical dilemmas in their daily lives? [09:47]
3. How might the distinctiveness of the early church in valuing life, marriage, and truth serve as a model for Christians facing cultural shifts today? [15:37]
4. What are the potential dangers of misusing creeds and confessions, and how can they be used to strengthen one's faith and understanding of biblical truths? [30:50]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your personal relationship with Christ. How can you deepen your dependence on Him in your daily life, especially in challenging times? [02:02]
2. Think of a recent ethical dilemma you faced. How did you handle it, and what principles from the sermon could have guided your decision-making process? [09:47]
3. In what ways can you be a light in your workplace or community, especially when facing opposition or cultural pressure? How can you remain steadfast in your convictions? [15:37]
4. How can you incorporate creeds and confessions into your personal study or family worship to enhance your understanding of biblical truths? [30:50]
5. Consider your current level of assurance in your salvation. What steps can you take to strengthen your faith and trust in God's promises? [43:48]
6. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel cultural pressure to conform. How can you resist this pressure and uphold the truth of the gospel? [15:37]
7. Choose one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit to focus on this month. What specific action could you take to cultivate it as part of your interactions with your family or community?

Devotional

Day 1: Eternal Union with Christ
Our union with Christ is eternal and unchanging, forming the foundation of our relationship with God. This union allows us to experience God's fatherhood and is the basis for our communion with Him. As we grow in faith, our dependence on Christ deepens, culminating in the fulfillment of this relationship in glory. This eternal union is not just a theological concept but a living reality that shapes our identity and purpose. It assures us that no matter the circumstances, our connection with Christ remains steadfast, providing us with hope and strength. In glory, this relationship will be fully realized, where every tear is wiped away, and we experience the fullness of joy in His presence. [02:02]

"For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." (Colossians 3:3-4, ESV)

Reflection: How does the understanding of your eternal union with Christ influence your daily decisions and interactions with others today?


Day 2: Navigating Ethical Dilemmas
Ethical dilemmas require careful consideration of context and the principle of disclosure. We must avoid justifying actions that go against God's law, even if they seem to serve a greater good. Our conscience and intentions are crucial, and we must resist situational ethics that can lead to moral compromise. In the story of Rahab, we see the complexity of ethical decisions and the importance of seeking God's wisdom in such situations. It is essential to discern what information is rightfully accessible to others and to act with integrity, ensuring that our actions align with God's truth and righteousness. [09:47]

"Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out." (Proverbs 10:9, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you faced an ethical dilemma. How can you apply the principle of integrity and disclosure to similar situations in the future?


Day 3: Distinctiveness in a Shifting Culture
In the face of cultural shifts and persecution, the church's distinctiveness in valuing life, marriage, and truth serves as a powerful witness. We must remain steadfast in our convictions, shining as a light in the darkness, and not conforming to the world. The early church thrived in a hostile environment by holding fast to its beliefs and demonstrating the love and truth of the gospel. Today, as cultural pressures increase, we are called to be counter-cultural, standing firm in our faith and being a beacon of hope and truth in our communities. [15:37]

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate the distinctiveness of your faith in your workplace or community this week?


Day 4: The Role of Creeds and Confessions
Creeds and confessions are valuable tools for articulating biblical truths and safeguarding against false teachings. They provide a framework for discipleship, worship, and theological clarity. We must use them with grace and patience, helping others grow in their understanding. While they are not replacements for Scripture, they serve as guides to help us articulate the whole counsel of God and to remain grounded in sound doctrine. By engaging with these historical documents, we can deepen our understanding of the faith and equip ourselves to address contemporary challenges with wisdom and insight. [30:50]

"Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus." (2 Timothy 1:13, ESV)

Reflection: How can you incorporate the study of creeds and confessions into your personal or group Bible study to enhance your understanding of biblical truths?


Day 5: Assurance of Salvation
Assurance of salvation is rooted in faith in Jesus Christ and the promises of God. While assurance can wax and wane, the evidence of a transformed life and the internal witness of the Holy Spirit provide additional assurance. Our faith is a lifelong relationship with Christ, characterized by personal, rational, emotional, and volitional trust in Him. This assurance is not based on our feelings or performance but on the unchanging promises of God and the work of Christ on our behalf. As we grow in our relationship with Him, we can experience a deeper sense of peace and confidence in our salvation. [43:48]

"And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on the evidence of transformation in your life. How does this evidence, along with the promises of God, strengthen your assurance of salvation today?

Quotes


It is really important, actually, that at no point in all eternity is our salvation coming outside of Christ, that now the saints are justified, but not yet glorified, then fully glorified. Still, we are entirely resting on Christ. It is in Christ that we are able to address the One on the throne as "Our Father." [00:00:58]

Our union with Christ is the foundation of our communion with Him. So, we can grow in that communion on the basis of that fixed status of being united with Him. Communion follows union. [00:04:15]

I think we as the church in the United States are really beginning to see for the first time in a sweeping way just how much the world does hate us, and it's a surprise for a lot of people. I mean, Mike, you've been living with this for, you know, most of your life in the UK. [00:15:51]

And these were some of the factors that made the church extraordinary in its culture, that the valuing of marriage, the valuing of even lives that had not yet proved by performance their outward merit. And it is evident that the way the church lived differently was part of its shining light of witness. [00:21:56]

Creeds and confessions have been adopted by the church because... let's take the Nicene Creed as the first one. At the heart of the Nicene Creed is the statement that we believe in the one Lord Jesus Christ, begotten, not made of one being with the Father. [00:27:24]

We see these are opportunities, creeds and confessions, to helpfully bind ourselves to a faithful articulation of biblical truth, and they are often done in response to misunderstandings and false teaching. And through false teaching in the church, through heresy, God has continually enabled His church to grow in clarity in responding to the false teaching. [00:28:52]

The first answer to that question is do you have faith in Jesus Christ? For those who have faith in Christ, are given many, many assurances in Scripture. And so, there is the first thing to ask, "Do you have faith in Jesus Christ?" Those who have faith in Jesus Christ may be assured. [00:40:22]

You get your assurance from looking to Christ. But there is an additional level of assurance which also stops us from thinking, "I can have a bare faith in Christ which is merely I am able to sign a bit of paper, officially say I have trusted in Christ," but there isn’t actually any active leaning upon Him. [00:41:43]

The Confession even speaks of assurance waxing and waning. And it does seem to be tied to one's living of the Christian life, that waxing and waning, neglecting the fellowship of the saints, neglecting time of prayer, neglecting time in God's Word, one may begin to feel their assurance waning. [00:42:34]

Saving faith is personal. Six times he uses the word "I." Saving faith is personal. Saving faith is rational, "I know." Saving faith is emotional, "I am convinced." Saving faith is volitional, "I put my trust in Him," and saving faith has only one object. It’s not faith; it’s Christ. [00:45:32]

I know" not what I believed, not when I believed, not that I believe, "I know whom I have believed, and He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him." [00:46:00]

I think with the not only the removal of the penalty of sin, breaking the power of sin, eradicating the practice of sin, we will even have eradicated the presence of sin or even the ability to sin, which means what God has done we will see it in the eternal weight of our good and His glory. [00:25:40]

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Transcript
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