Union with Christ: Our Identity and Salvation

 

Summary

Union with Christ is a profound and central truth of the Christian faith, one that shapes our identity and understanding of salvation. This concept, deeply rooted in Scripture, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Paul, is not merely an additional blessing but the very essence of what it means to be a believer. Paul frequently uses the phrase "in Christ" to describe the believer's identity, emphasizing that our union with Christ is foundational to every aspect of our salvation. This union is both mystical and spiritual, as well as incarnational, reflecting the reality that Christ took on human form and now dwells within us through the Holy Spirit.

Understanding our union with Christ transforms how we view our lives and our relationship with God. It means that everything Christ accomplished is now ours, and we live out our lives in Him. This union affects every aspect of our existence, from our marriages to our daily living and even our dying. It is a comprehensive reality that shapes our ethics, our growth in grace, and our sanctification. The New Testament uses the analogy of marriage to illustrate this union, highlighting the intimate and transformative nature of our relationship with Christ.

Moreover, this union provides a safeguard against legalism and works righteousness. By grounding our identity in Christ, we are reminded that our standing before God is based on His grace, not our efforts. This understanding liberates us from the burden of trying to earn God's favor and allows us to rest in the finished work of Christ. It also empowers us to live out the imperatives of the gospel, not as burdensome commands, but as natural expressions of our new identity in Christ.

In a world where identity is often confused and fragmented, the truth of our union with Christ offers clarity and stability. It provides a foundation for understanding who we are and how we are to live. This truth is not only essential for personal spiritual growth but also serves as a powerful witness to the world of the transformative power of the gospel.

Key Takeaways:

1. Union with Christ as Identity: Our identity as believers is fundamentally rooted in our union with Christ. This union is not an additional blessing but the essence of our salvation, shaping every aspect of our lives and providing a foundation for understanding who we are in Christ. [05:50]

2. Mystical and Incarnational Union: Union with Christ encompasses both a mystical, spiritual connection and an incarnational reality, reflecting Christ's taking on human form and dwelling within us through the Holy Spirit. This dual aspect enriches our understanding of the Christian life. [09:40]

3. Transformative Power of Union: Understanding our union with Christ transforms our approach to ethics, sanctification, and spiritual growth. It shifts our focus from legalistic rule-following to living out our new identity in Christ, empowered by His grace. [16:55]

4. Safeguard Against Legalism: Union with Christ serves as a safeguard against legalism and works righteousness, reminding us that our standing before God is based on His grace, not our efforts. This liberates us to rest in the finished work of Christ. [21:49]

5. Stability in a Confused World: In a world where identity is often confused, the truth of our union with Christ offers clarity and stability. It provides a foundation for understanding who we are and how we are to live, serving as a powerful witness to the transformative power of the gospel. [24:15]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:22] - Introduction to Union with Christ
[01:10] - Historical Perspectives
[01:53] - Carnal and Mystical Union
[02:47] - Paul's Emphasis on "In Christ"
[03:41] - Identity as Believers
[05:07] - Believing Into Christ
[06:39] - Fellowship with Christ
[07:25] - Living in Christ
[08:10] - Christ in Us
[10:24] - Practical Applications
[13:00] - Central Truth of Salvation
[16:09] - Identity and Ethics
[19:01] - Imperatives and Identity
[21:49] - Indicatives vs. Imperatives
[24:15] - Stability in Identity
[25:40] - Conclusion and Thanks

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Union with Christ

Bible Reading:
1. Ephesians 1:3-14
2. Colossians 1:27
3. Galatians 2:20

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Observation Questions:

1. How does the Apostle Paul describe the believer's identity in relation to Christ in his letters? Consider the frequency and context of the phrase "in Christ" as discussed in the sermon. [05:07]

2. What are the two aspects of union with Christ mentioned in the sermon, and how are they distinct from each other? [01:53]

3. According to the sermon, how does the concept of "Christ in you" differ from "you in Christ," and what significance does each hold for believers? [08:10]

4. How does the analogy of marriage help illustrate the believer's union with Christ, as mentioned in the sermon? [07:25]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In Ephesians 1:3-14, Paul speaks of believers having "every spiritual blessing in Christ." How does this passage help us understand the comprehensive nature of our union with Christ? [13:52]

2. The sermon mentions that union with Christ is a safeguard against legalism. How does understanding our identity in Christ protect us from trying to earn God's favor through our efforts? [21:49]

3. How does the concept of being "in Christ" provide clarity and stability in a world where identity is often confused, as discussed in the sermon? [24:15]

4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that understanding our union with Christ transforms our approach to ethics and spiritual growth? [16:55]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own understanding of being "in Christ." How does this identity influence your daily decisions and interactions with others? [19:01]

2. The sermon highlights the transformative power of union with Christ. Can you identify an area in your life where you need to shift from legalistic rule-following to living out your new identity in Christ? [16:55]

3. In what ways can you remind yourself of your identity in Christ when facing challenges or temptations? Consider practical steps you can take to reinforce this truth in your life. [17:36]

4. How can the analogy of marriage, as used in the sermon, deepen your understanding of your relationship with Christ? What practical steps can you take to nurture this relationship? [07:25]

5. The sermon discusses the importance of resting in the finished work of Christ. How can you cultivate a mindset of rest and reliance on His grace in your spiritual journey? [21:49]

6. In a world where identity is often confused, how can you be a witness to the stability and clarity that comes from being united with Christ? What specific actions can you take to demonstrate this to others? [24:15]

7. Consider the idea that "Christ in you" is the hope of glory. How does this truth impact your perspective on future challenges and your ultimate hope as a believer? [08:56]

Devotional

Day 1: Union with Christ as Our Core Identity
Our identity as believers is fundamentally rooted in our union with Christ. This union is not an additional blessing but the essence of our salvation, shaping every aspect of our lives and providing a foundation for understanding who we are in Christ. This profound truth is emphasized throughout Scripture, particularly in the writings of the Apostle Paul, who frequently uses the phrase "in Christ" to describe the believer's identity. By understanding this union, we recognize that everything Christ accomplished is now ours, and we live out our lives in Him. This understanding transforms how we view our lives and our relationship with God, affecting every aspect of our existence, from our marriages to our daily living and even our dying. [05:50]

Ephesians 1:3-4 (ESV): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him."

Reflection: How does knowing your identity is rooted in Christ change the way you approach your daily responsibilities and relationships today?


Day 2: The Dual Nature of Our Union with Christ
Union with Christ encompasses both a mystical, spiritual connection and an incarnational reality, reflecting Christ's taking on human form and dwelling within us through the Holy Spirit. This dual aspect enriches our understanding of the Christian life, as it highlights the intimate and transformative nature of our relationship with Christ. The mystical aspect speaks to the spiritual connection we have with Christ, while the incarnational aspect reminds us of the reality that Christ took on human form and now dwells within us. This understanding helps us to see that our union with Christ is not just a theological concept but a lived reality that impacts every area of our lives. [09:40]

Colossians 1:26-27 (ESV): "The mystery hidden for ages and generations but now revealed to his saints. To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."

Reflection: In what ways can you become more aware of Christ's presence in your life today, both spiritually and practically?


Day 3: Living Out the Transformative Power of Union
Understanding our union with Christ transforms our approach to ethics, sanctification, and spiritual growth. It shifts our focus from legalistic rule-following to living out our new identity in Christ, empowered by His grace. This transformation is not about adhering to a set of rules but about allowing the reality of our union with Christ to shape our thoughts, actions, and attitudes. As we grow in our understanding of this union, we are empowered to live out the imperatives of the gospel, not as burdensome commands, but as natural expressions of our new identity in Christ. [16:55]

2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."

Reflection: What is one specific area of your life where you can allow your identity in Christ to transform your actions and attitudes today?


Day 4: Resting in Grace, Not Legalism
Union with Christ serves as a safeguard against legalism and works righteousness, reminding us that our standing before God is based on His grace, not our efforts. This understanding liberates us from the burden of trying to earn God's favor and allows us to rest in the finished work of Christ. By grounding our identity in Christ, we are reminded that our relationship with God is not based on our performance but on His grace. This liberating truth empowers us to live out the gospel with joy and freedom, knowing that our identity and worth are secure in Christ. [21:49]

Galatians 2:20-21 (ESV): "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. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose."

Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you are striving to earn God's favor? How can you rest in His grace today?


Day 5: Finding Stability in Our Union with Christ
In a world where identity is often confused, the truth of our union with Christ offers clarity and stability. It provides a foundation for understanding who we are and how we are to live, serving as a powerful witness to the transformative power of the gospel. This stability is not based on external circumstances but on the unchanging reality of our identity in Christ. As we embrace this truth, we find a sense of peace and purpose that transcends the confusion and fragmentation of the world around us. [24:15]

1 Peter 2:9-10 (ESV): "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy."

Reflection: How can you allow the truth of your union with Christ to bring clarity and stability to your life today, especially in areas where you feel uncertain or fragmented?

Quotes


And certainly, with Paul, it's not exclusive to Paul, but when you read Paul it's this expression, "in Christ," "in the Lord," "in Christ Jesus," "in Him" that occurs. And I've never done the statistics, but Derek says he thinks there are over sixty times it's "in Christ." I think the total of all the different forms of it may be a hundred and fifty times. [00:04:54]

And there are only thirteen letters. So, it's everywhere, and I think when you see that, you've seen the first thing that needs to grip you, that what it means for you to be a believer is that by faith you have become united to Christ, so that the New Testament uses this little expression, pisteuo, which is the Greek verb "to believe," pisteuo eis, which means "to believe into Christ." [00:05:19]

And in that fellowship with Christ everything that Christ is and has done for us is made over to us. It's all in Him for us, and so when we come to Him everything that's in Christ is ours, and then we discover how that works out progressively in our lives through the bonding of the Holy Spirit. And it works out obviously in many different contexts and many different ways. [00:06:39]

Your living is in Christ. Your dying is in Christ. And that is such a huge concept that I think students of the New Testament have tried to find ways of "How can I use an idea that might help people understand this?" And the reason they need to do that is because this is something that is quite unique. [00:07:34]

And what he's saying is that union with Christ is not another blessing that you get in addition to all of these blessings, but union with Christ is what you get, or I think, would be better to say, union with Christ is who you get through faith. And when you've got Him, there isn't anything else to get. You've got it all in Him. [00:13:48]

And when I become a Christian, He gives Himself entirely to me, and it takes me the rest of my life and probably the rest of eternity to try and work out what that means and enjoy everything that is now mine because He is mine just as all the "I am" is His because I am His too. [00:16:03]

And I think Paul, I think, would answer the question, "I am a man in Christ. That is my identity. It is no longer I that live, but Christ that lives in me. That's my identity." When Paul is dealing with a whole slew of sanctification issues in Colossians chapter 1, his fundamental premise is that the way to grow in grace or the way to deal with sin is to remind yourself, "Who are you?" [00:16:29]

And once you've grasped these first principles, it will become clear, on the one hand, why these things have got to go." I mean a great passage for that is Colossians 3. Look, if you've died with Christ, if you've been raised with Christ, if your life is hid with Christ in God, then, of course, this old clothing no longer belongs. [00:19:12]

And I think it's fundamental to the understanding of how the gospel functions that we, first of all, begin with who we are. And who we are has nothing to do with anything that we've done. Who we are as a man in Christ is something that has entirely been brought about by the grace of God. [00:22:07]

So an understanding of union with Christ and our identity in Christ is, I think, a safeguard to a works righteousness or a lapse into something that might appear legalistic if it wasn't for that fundamental stress of the indicative, "Be who you really are in Christ." [00:22:21]

And it just struck me it's such an age for maybe especially, young Christians to stand out as witnesses to Christ not by doing spectacular things, but by the fact that in a world whose lostness is so manifest, they actually know who they are, and that their whole pattern of life emerges from, "Since I know who I am, I want to live out what it means to be that person." [00:24:04]

And I think it simplifies life enormously, and its spiritual benefits are, you know, limitless really, because it's how the New Testament thinks about what it means to be a Christian. [00:25:32]

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Transcript
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