Union with Christ: Transforming Identity and Righteousness

 

Summary

In our journey of faith, we are united with Christ in both His death and resurrection. This union means that we share in His righteousness and life, as described in 1 Timothy 3:16 and Romans 4:25. This concept of being credited with Christ's righteousness has faced criticism, particularly from Roman Catholic theologians who view it as a legal fiction. However, the New Testament scholar Tom Wright argues that righteousness is not something that can be transferred like an object. Yet, when we understand our union with Christ, these objections fade away. John Calvin explained that we do not view Christ from afar; instead, we are engrafted into His body, making the exchange of sin and righteousness unobjectionable, much like the union in marriage where all is shared.

This theological shift, akin to a Copernican revolution, places Christ at the center of our spiritual solar system, replacing anxiety about our own righteousness with joy in Christ's righteousness. Critics argue that this doctrine is too comforting, suggesting it might diminish our motivation for holiness. However, Calvin reassures us that where Christ is, there too is the Spirit of holiness, regenerating us to newness of life. Our union with Christ is not about seeking rewards like heaven or salvation; it is about knowing and enjoying Christ Himself.

The Apostle Paul, in Romans 6:4, emphasizes that our union with Christ leads us to walk in newness of life. Martin Luther echoes this, stating that through faith, Christ's righteousness becomes ours, transforming us to be more like Him. This transformation is ongoing, as described in 2 Corinthians 3:18, where we are being transformed from one degree of glory to another. The image of Christ as the vine and believers as branches illustrates this transformative union, where Christ's life-giving Spirit makes us fruitful.

Regularly pondering our union with Christ is crucial, as it shapes our identity. When we forget this union, we risk defining ourselves by our performance, leading to pride or despair. However, when we remember that our identity is in Christ, we find resilience against both pride and failure. In Him, we are neither failures nor have anything to boast about except Him.

Key Takeaways:

- Our union with Christ means sharing in His righteousness and life, transforming our identity and freeing us from the anxiety of self-righteousness. This union is not a distant contemplation but an intimate engrafting into His body, much like a marriage where all is shared. [12:17]

- The theological shift of placing Christ at the center of our spiritual lives replaces anxiety with joy. Instead of focusing on our own righteousness, we focus on Christ's righteousness, which is unchanging and eternal. This perspective brings stability and joy to our faith journey. [14:02]

- Critics argue that the comfort of this doctrine might reduce our motivation for holiness, but true union with Christ brings the Spirit of holiness, regenerating us to newness of life. Our pursuit of holiness is not for rewards but for the joy of knowing Christ Himself. [15:26]

- Our union with Christ is transformative, as illustrated by the vine and branches metaphor. Christ's life-giving Spirit flows through us, making us fruitful and transforming us from one degree of glory to another. This ongoing transformation is a testament to our new life in Christ. [17:29]

- Regularly reflecting on our union with Christ is essential for maintaining our true identity. When we forget this union, we risk defining ourselves by our performance, leading to pride or despair. Remembering that our identity is in Christ helps us remain resilient against both pride and failure. [19:52]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [09:59] - Sharing in Christ's Resurrection
- [10:20] - Justification Through Union
- [10:37] - Criticism of Imputed Righteousness
- [11:18] - Tom Wright's Argument
- [12:04] - Calvin's Perspective on Union
- [12:35] - Marriage as a Metaphor
- [13:22] - Christ-Centered Theology
- [14:21] - Comfort and Motivation
- [15:07] - Spirit of Holiness
- [16:23] - Walking in Newness of Life
- [17:14] - Transformation in Christ
- [18:00] - Vine and Branches Metaphor
- [19:17] - Identity in Christ
- [20:16] - Resilience in Christ

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- 1 Timothy 3:16
- Romans 4:25
- Romans 6:4
- 2 Corinthians 3:18

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Romans 6:4, what is the purpose of being buried with Christ through baptism into death? How does this relate to walking in newness of life? [16:23]

2. In 1 Timothy 3:16, how is Christ's righteousness described, and what significance does this have for believers? [09:59]

3. How does the metaphor of the vine and branches in 2 Corinthians 3:18 illustrate the transformative nature of our union with Christ? [17:29]

4. What argument does Tom Wright present against the idea of imputed righteousness, and how does the sermon address this criticism? [11:18]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the concept of being "engrafted into Christ's body" change the way believers view their relationship with Him? [12:17]

2. What does it mean for Christ to be at the center of our spiritual solar system, and how does this shift impact our daily lives? [13:22]

3. How does the sermon explain the relationship between comfort in Christ's righteousness and the motivation for pursuing holiness? [14:21]

4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that forgetting our union with Christ can lead to pride or despair? [19:17]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you felt anxious about your own righteousness. How can focusing on Christ's righteousness bring you joy and stability in similar situations? [13:41]

2. The sermon mentions that our union with Christ is not about seeking rewards but about knowing Christ Himself. How can you prioritize knowing Christ in your daily routine? [15:26]

3. Consider the metaphor of the vine and branches. What practical steps can you take to ensure you remain connected to Christ and bear fruit in your life? [17:46]

4. How can regularly reflecting on your union with Christ help you maintain a healthy identity, especially when faced with success or failure? [19:17]

5. The sermon suggests that our identity in Christ makes us resilient against pride and failure. How can you remind yourself of this truth in moments of self-doubt or arrogance? [20:16]

6. How does understanding that Christ's righteousness is yours through faith change the way you approach challenges in your spiritual journey? [16:54]

7. Identify one area in your life where you struggle with self-righteousness. What specific action can you take this week to shift your focus to Christ's righteousness instead? [14:02]

Devotional

Day 1: Union with Christ: Sharing in His Righteousness
Our union with Christ is a profound mystery that transforms our identity. This union means that we share in His righteousness and life, freeing us from the anxiety of self-righteousness. It is not a distant contemplation but an intimate engrafting into His body, much like a marriage where all is shared. This understanding helps us to see that our worth is not based on our performance but on our relationship with Christ. As we embrace this truth, we find peace and assurance in our spiritual journey. [12:17]

2 Corinthians 5:21 (ESV): "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."

Reflection: In what ways have you been defining your worth by your own achievements or failures? How can you begin to rest in the righteousness of Christ today?


Day 2: Christ-Centered Theology: Replacing Anxiety with Joy
The theological shift of placing Christ at the center of our spiritual lives replaces anxiety with joy. Instead of focusing on our own righteousness, we focus on Christ's righteousness, which is unchanging and eternal. This perspective brings stability and joy to our faith journey, as we are no longer burdened by the need to prove ourselves. By centering our lives on Christ, we experience a Copernican revolution in our spiritual solar system, where Christ's light dispels the darkness of self-doubt and fear. [14:02]

Colossians 3:3-4 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: What are some areas in your life where you are still trying to earn approval or validation? How can you shift your focus to the joy of Christ's unchanging righteousness?


Day 3: The Spirit of Holiness: Motivation for Holiness
Critics argue that the comfort of this doctrine might reduce our motivation for holiness, but true union with Christ brings the Spirit of holiness, regenerating us to newness of life. Our pursuit of holiness is not for rewards but for the joy of knowing Christ Himself. This understanding assures us that where Christ is, there too is the Spirit of holiness, working within us to transform and renew us. Our motivation for holiness is rooted in our relationship with Christ, not in the fear of punishment or the desire for reward. [15:26]

Ezekiel 36:26-27 (ESV): "And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules."

Reflection: How does understanding that holiness is a result of your union with Christ change your approach to spiritual growth? What steps can you take to cultivate a deeper relationship with Christ today?


Day 4: Transformation in Christ: The Vine and Branches
Our union with Christ is transformative, as illustrated by the vine and branches metaphor. Christ's life-giving Spirit flows through us, making us fruitful and transforming us from one degree of glory to another. This ongoing transformation is a testament to our new life in Christ, where we are continually being shaped and molded into His likeness. As we remain connected to the vine, we draw strength and nourishment from Christ, enabling us to bear fruit that reflects His character and love. [17:29]

John 15:4-5 (ESV): "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."

Reflection: In what ways have you seen Christ's transformative power at work in your life? How can you remain more deeply connected to the vine in your daily walk with Him?


Day 5: Identity in Christ: Resilience Against Pride and Failure
Regularly reflecting on our union with Christ is essential for maintaining our true identity. When we forget this union, we risk defining ourselves by our performance, leading to pride or despair. Remembering that our identity is in Christ helps us remain resilient against both pride and failure. In Him, we are neither failures nor have anything to boast about except Him. This understanding provides a solid foundation for our lives, enabling us to navigate the ups and downs of life with confidence and grace. [19:52]

Galatians 2:20 (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."

Reflection: How have you been defining your identity by your successes or failures? What practical steps can you take to root your identity more deeply in Christ today?

Quotes

"we've been united to him in his death we've been crucified and condemned in him we've endured the punishment for it all in him more we also share the vindication he received in his resurrection on the third day he was raised again raised to life and declared righteous first timothy 3 16. accepted romans 4 25 united to him then we share his life and righteousness that's how we can be justified through this union with christ" [00:09:38]

"if christ takes our sin and we take his righteousness because we're united all those difficulties go away this is how calvin would argue calvin said we do not contemplate christ outside ourselves from afar in order that his righteousness may be imputed to us but because we put on christ and are engrafted into his body in short because he deigns to make us one with him if christ and the believer are made one then that sin righteousness exchange is entirely unobjectionable" [00:11:54]

"in a marriage the husband shares all he has with his wife and she shares all she has with him it is as if a rich husband were at his own cost to pay off all his wife's debts and then share with her all his enormous wealth now this was a true copernican revolution in theology why because we naturally have ourselves at the center of our own solar system" [00:12:48]

"the reformation instead placed christ at the center and so it replaced fretful anxiety based on my own performance with stable joy based on christ because instead now of asking how righteous am i i now ask how righteous is christ and then i smile for amid all my ups and downs he is utterly righteous yesterday today forever and all his is mine" [00:13:32]

"wherever righteousness of faith is there christ is and where christ is thereto is the spirit of holiness who regenerates the soul to newness of life faith cannot lay hold of christ for righteousness without the spirit of sanctification that is we've not been united to christ so we can get some other reward heaven righteousness salvation or whatever we do not as calvin put it seek in christ something other than christ himself" [00:14:52]

"no the great reward of union with christ is christ knowing and enjoying him is the eternal life which we've been saved and it's why in the earliest days of being a young believer john calvin began identifying himself as a lover of jesus christ it's how he like to speak of himself now the total freeness gratuity of our salvation doesn't mean that the doctrine of our union with christ then ignores how we live" [00:15:37]

"the apostle paul wrote that we were buried therefore with him by baptism into death in order that just as christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the father we too might walk in newness of life romans 6 4 in christ we receive his righteousness and sonship and in christ we receive his transforming life and spirit" [00:16:16]

"martin luther wrote through faith in christ christ's righteousness becomes our righteousness all he has becomes ours or rather he himself becomes ours united to him sharing his life filled with his spirit we cannot but be transformed to be more like him and the new life the new heart we've been given in christ begins to show second corinthians 3 18" [00:16:47]

"paul says we all with unveiled face beholding the glory of the lord are being transformed from one degree of glory to another this comes from the lord who is the spirit and the biblical image that makes this clearest is that of christ the vine with believers as his branches believers are depicted as being one with christ who pours the life-giving sap of the spirit into us making us fruitful" [00:17:21]

"and in that image jesus couldn't have been clearer that union with christ is a transformative thing the fact that christians are united to christ and share his life must affect them we've not only be given a saved status and then left to get on with holy lives all by ourselves if we're united to christ we have a new heart a new spirit within us" [00:18:00]

"it is good for us to ponder our union with christ regularly and often for all too easily i forget that christ has become my identity and all too easily i then think i am what i do so while union with christ immediately changes my status it has deep ongoing work to do in our lives because when i forget my identity in christ things start going wrong in the christian life" [00:18:31]

"when i'm doing well i become proud and unbearable when i'm not doing well i curl up in defeated misery and either way when i forget my union with christ and allow something else my performance success failure to define me i become ridiculous and dangerous but when i remember christ defines believers we find our identity in him then i find i'm much more immune to both pride and failure" [00:19:26]

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Transcript
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