Union with Christ: Our Transformative Identity in Him

 

Summary

Understanding our union and communion with Jesus Christ is central to our identity as Christians. This profound truth not only defines who we are but also empowers us to stand firm in a world filled with darkness. Our identity in Christ is not merely a label; it is a transformative reality that shapes our lives and our eternal destiny. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, emphasizes this union over 200 times, underscoring its significance. Being "in Christ" means we are new creations, fundamentally different from our old selves. This identity is not something we achieve on our own but is a gift from God, rooted in His eternal plan and accomplished through the incarnation and work of Jesus Christ.

Our union with Christ is multi-dimensional. It begins in the eternal mind of God, who chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world. This eternal dimension assures us that our salvation is secure, anchored in God's unchanging love. The incarnational dimension is seen in Christ's taking on human flesh, becoming our representative, and fulfilling what Adam failed to do. Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus undoes the curse of sin and opens the way for us to be united with Him.

The spiritual dimension of our union is realized through the Holy Spirit, who unites us to Christ, enabling us to live in the power of His resurrection. This union is mutual; not only are we in Christ, but He also dwells in us, transforming us from within. Finally, the eschatological dimension points to the future glory we will share with Christ. When He appears, we will be like Him, fully reflecting His glory.

This understanding of our union with Christ is crucial, especially in a world that offers numerous false identities. As believers, our true identity is found in Christ, and this truth should shape how we live, think, and interact with the world around us. It is a source of hope, strength, and joy, reminding us that we belong to a kingdom that will never end.

Key Takeaways:

1. Eternal Dimension of Union with Christ: Our union with Christ is rooted in God's eternal plan, chosen in Him before the foundation of the world. This assures us of our secure identity and salvation, anchored in God's unchanging love. Understanding this eternal perspective helps us rest in the assurance that our relationship with Christ is not based on our efforts but on God's sovereign grace. [02:48:07]

2. Incarnational Dimension: Jesus' incarnation is central to our union with Him. By taking on human flesh, He became our representative, fulfilling what Adam failed to do. This incarnational aspect of our union emphasizes that our salvation is accomplished through Christ's life, death, and resurrection, providing us with a new identity and hope. [02:52:34]

3. Spiritual Dimension: The Holy Spirit unites us to Christ, enabling us to live in the power of His resurrection. This spiritual union transforms us from within, empowering us to live out our new identity in Christ. It is through the Spirit that we experience the reality of being in Christ, with all the blessings and responsibilities it entails. [02:59:03]

4. Mutual Indwelling: Our union with Christ is mutual; we are in Him, and He dwells in us. This indwelling presence of Christ transforms our lives, providing us with strength and guidance. It is a profound mystery that the Lord of Glory chooses to make His home in us, shaping us into His likeness. [03:09:16]

5. Eschatological Dimension: Our union with Christ has an eternal future, culminating in our glorification with Him. When Christ appears, we will be like Him, fully reflecting His glory. This future hope encourages us to live faithfully in the present, knowing that our ultimate destiny is secure in Christ. [03:13:35]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:33:13] - Introduction and Gratitude
- [02:34:28] - Acknowledgments and Reflections
- [02:37:00] - Opening Prayer
- [02:38:13] - Union with Christ: A Dual Approach
- [02:39:09] - New Creation in Christ
- [02:40:10] - Identity in Christ vs. Christian Label
- [02:42:08] - Importance of Being in Christ
- [02:44:24] - Understanding Our Identity
- [02:48:07] - Eternal Dimension of Union
- [02:52:34] - Incarnational Dimension
- [02:59:03] - Spiritual Dimension
- [03:09:16] - Mutual Indwelling
- [03:13:35] - Eschatological Dimension
- [03:20:11] - Closing Prayer and Reflections

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Understanding Our Union and Communion with Christ

Bible Reading:
1. 2 Corinthians 5:17 - "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
2. Ephesians 1:3-4 - "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight."
3. Romans 6:6 - "For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin."

Observation Questions:
1. According to 2 Corinthians 5:17, what does it mean to be a "new creation" in Christ? How does this relate to our identity as Christians? [02:39:09]
2. In Ephesians 1:3-4, what does it mean to be "chosen in Christ before the creation of the world"? How does this assurance affect our understanding of salvation? [02:48:07]
3. Romans 6:6 speaks about our "old self" being crucified with Christ. What implications does this have for our daily lives and struggles with sin? [03:02:30]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does understanding our union with Christ as a "new creation" change the way we view our past and present life? [02:39:09]
2. What does it mean for our faith and daily living to know that our union with Christ was part of God's eternal plan? How does this impact our sense of security in our salvation? [02:48:07]
3. How does the concept of mutual indwelling, where Christ dwells in us and we in Him, influence our relationship with God and others? [03:09:16]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your daily life. How often do you consciously think of yourself as being "in Christ"? What practical steps can you take to remind yourself of this identity each day? [02:42:50]
2. In what ways can understanding that our union with Christ is part of God's eternal plan provide comfort during times of doubt or struggle? How can you apply this assurance in a current challenge you are facing? [02:48:07]
3. The sermon mentioned the incarnational dimension of our union with Christ. How can you live out this truth by representing Christ in your community or workplace? [02:52:34]
4. Consider the spiritual dimension of our union with Christ. How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit to empower you to live out your new identity in Christ? What specific area of your life needs this transformation? [02:59:03]
5. The sermon highlighted the eschatological dimension of our union with Christ. How does the hope of future glorification with Christ influence your current priorities and decisions? [03:13:35]
6. Think about a time when you struggled with your identity. How can the truth of being a new creation in Christ help you navigate similar situations in the future? [02:39:09]
7. Identify one area in your life where you feel the presence of sin. How can the understanding that you are no longer under sin's dominion help you overcome this struggle? [03:02:30]

Devotional

Day 1: Eternal Security in God's Sovereign Plan
Our union with Christ is rooted in God's eternal plan, chosen in Him before the foundation of the world. This assures us of our secure identity and salvation, anchored in God's unchanging love. Understanding this eternal perspective helps us rest in the assurance that our relationship with Christ is not based on our efforts but on God's sovereign grace. This eternal dimension of our union with Christ provides a profound sense of security and peace, knowing that our salvation is not contingent on our performance but on God's unchanging purpose and love. [02:48:07]

Ephesians 1:4-5 (ESV): "Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will."

Reflection: How does knowing that your identity in Christ was established before the foundation of the world change the way you view your daily struggles and challenges?


Day 2: Incarnation as the Fulfillment of Our Hope
Jesus' incarnation is central to our union with Him. By taking on human flesh, He became our representative, fulfilling what Adam failed to do. This incarnational aspect of our union emphasizes that our salvation is accomplished through Christ's life, death, and resurrection, providing us with a new identity and hope. The incarnation is not just a historical event but a transformative reality that assures us of our redemption and the restoration of our relationship with God. [02:52:34]

Hebrews 2:14-15 (ESV): "Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery."

Reflection: In what ways can you live out the reality of Christ's incarnation in your interactions with others today, knowing He has fulfilled what Adam could not?


Day 3: Living in the Power of the Spirit
The Holy Spirit unites us to Christ, enabling us to live in the power of His resurrection. This spiritual union transforms us from within, empowering us to live out our new identity in Christ. It is through the Spirit that we experience the reality of being in Christ, with all the blessings and responsibilities it entails. The Spirit's work in our lives is a continuous process of transformation, guiding us to reflect Christ's character in our daily actions and decisions. [02:59:03]

Romans 8:11 (ESV): "If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you."

Reflection: What is one specific area of your life where you need to rely more on the Holy Spirit's power to live out your identity in Christ?


Day 4: Christ's Indwelling Presence
Our union with Christ is mutual; we are in Him, and He dwells in us. This indwelling presence of Christ transforms our lives, providing us with strength and guidance. It is a profound mystery that the Lord of Glory chooses to make His home in us, shaping us into His likeness. This mutual indwelling is a source of comfort and empowerment, reminding us that we are never alone and that Christ is actively working within us to fulfill His purposes. [03:09:16]

Colossians 1:27 (ESV): "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: How can you become more aware of Christ's presence in you today, and how might this awareness influence your decisions and actions?


Day 5: Future Glory with Christ
Our union with Christ has an eternal future, culminating in our glorification with Him. When Christ appears, we will be like Him, fully reflecting His glory. This future hope encourages us to live faithfully in the present, knowing that our ultimate destiny is secure in Christ. The eschatological dimension of our union with Christ provides a forward-looking perspective that inspires us to persevere in faith, anticipating the day when we will fully share in His glory. [03:13:35]

1 John 3:2 (ESV): "Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is."

Reflection: What steps can you take today to align your life more closely with the future hope of being glorified with Christ, and how does this hope impact your current priorities?

Quotes


If any one is in Christ he is a new creation, or more literally if any in Christ, New Creation. Christians I think are prone in reading that text to focus on the new creation and perhaps slide over the any in Christ. [02:39:09]

The Apostle Paul uses that language or a variant of it in Christ in Christ Jesus in him over 200 times in the course of 13 mainly relatively short letters, and that itself should indicate to us how important it is that day by day in our Christian lives as we awake as we go to bed when we reflect on ourselves we need to remember that's who we are. [02:42:08]

The first of these Dimensions is what we might call the Eternal dimension. Where did this Union with Christ begin, and you remember how Paul emphasizes in Ephesians 1 3 following that the sheer Wonder of God's grace is that God has had deeper Magic from before the dawn of time than anything we have ever experienced. [02:48:07]

He furthers the Eternal plan of God in our Union with him by uniting himself with us in our human nature, and in our human nature against all the odds in the context of a fallen world a world in which ultimately he will be completely alone, he undoes what Adam did and does what Adam was meant to do. [02:52:34]

When we are united to the Lord Jesus by the present Ministry of the Holy Spirit, and this is what the spirit is given for us Jesus himself teaches us isn't it when the spirit comes he says to the disciples in the upper room what he's going to do is he is going to show me to you. [02:59:03]

And this is the atmosphere in which the New Testament encourages us to think that if we are Christian Believers and in Christ this did not just begin with our decision to of faith in Christ or even with our own birth but began in the Eternal mind of God. [02:48:07]

And so our great need is to flee from ourselves into Christ and find in Jesus Christ an ocean of Grace sufficient for all of our needs and ultimately sufficient to bring me into his eternal presence. [02:59:03]

That beautiful Revelation the Lord Jesus gave to the disciples and the farewell discourse to stabilize them when he looked forward to the coming of the Holy Spirit and said you know when the spirit comes you will begin to understand that I am in the father and the father is in me. [03:09:16]

And when Christ appears, you and I will appear with him, if I can put that in a in a way that is hyperbolic, we might say that when the father says to the son at the consummation my beloved Son goal, the Beloved son will say to his father but father, we agreed that I would not appear without them. [03:13:35]

And John is saying yes in the midst of all the struggles in the midst of all the antichrists in the midst of the darkness, yes we are already the children of God but we are passed by day and daily by men and women and young people who do not see it. [03:13:35]

And then our lord Jesus prayer in John 17 24 surely will be answered, I'm praying that they may be with me where I am to behold my glory, the glory you've given to me and your love for me from the very foundation of the world and as they see me in my glory. [03:13:35]

And this is what we want to think about as our conference comes to an end, remember how he puts it in Colossians 3 4, he's spoken about Union with Christ, Union with Christ and his death and his burial in his resurrection in his Ascension, and then he says this, and when Christ appears. [03:13:35]

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