United to Christ
The Doctrine of Salvation is a vast overarching doctrine which includes many other issues including sin, evil, rebellion, God’s sovereignty, judgment, and redemption, just to name a few. Redemption is the active operation of God which gains salvation for the condemned, and this operation is conducted by a savior, who is Jesus Christ. During the saving act of salvation by the Savior, a connection is made between the person being saved and the Savior–this is the “Union with Christ.” It is a vital union that exists for every person that receives salvation by the work of the Savior, yet many believers are not aware of it, nor are they given any instruction concerning it. This doctrine is clearly taught in Scripture, especially in the epistles of the Apostle Paul who devoted many chapters to it. Being united to Christ in this union is not only essential for the sanctification of the believer, but it is also the basis of the relationship between Christ and His redeemed people.
The Union with Christ in the Drama of Redemption
The Doctrine of Salvation and the Drama of Redemption are closely related because mankind’s salvation is the main object of the Drama of Redemption. Man’s fall from grace is the subject of Act One in the drama as revealed in the book of Genesis. As the drama unfolds, humanity requires deliverance from the penalty of his disobedience. A deliverer is promised in the form of the promised Messiah. The drama continues through the Old Testament until the Savior appears in the New Testament who brings redemption through His own sacrifice and death–This is the work of salvation. The work of Christ on the cross satisfied God’s wrath against sin and it redeemed mankind from the condemnation of sin. The concepts involved in this work include imputation, atonement, regeneration, justification, and sanctification. These processes are complex in their composition and effect, thereby requiring each to be a doctrine of its own. These sub doctrines are included in the parent Doctrine of Salvation. When explaining or teaching on salvation it is necessary to include these other sub doctrines, including the doctrine of our “Union with Christ.” And as mentioned earlier, salvation cannot be properly understood apart from an understanding of sin. One cannot know why they need to be saved if they don’t know what they are being saved from.
Christ, the hero in the Drama of Redemption
“The Doctrine of Sin must be considered in light of the Doctrine of Redemption and the Gospel Message. The Gospel message is that Christ died to pay the penalty for the sins of humanity. Without the consequences of sin there is no need for redemption. The Bible from beginning to end is the drama of redemption. Beginning with the Fall of Man by the disobedience of Adam, to the redemptive work of Christ, and finally to the complete victory over sin and death with the return of Christ and the destruction of the world—sin is the main villain in the drama. Sin is man’s mortal enemy and the cause of his destruction. God is the hero in the drama as He sends His son, Christ, to save man and to restore creation from the corruption caused by the effects of God’s wrath against sin and rebellion. Mankind’s redemption and salvation by the grace of God and the work of Christ can only be properly understood by comprehending the seriousness of sin.”
Union with Christ and Spiritual Growth
The deep implications of being united to our Savior is not fully appreciated or understood by believers. Far too many Christians are slow to progress in their spiritual growth because they neglect the teachings of Scripture, including their union with Christ. The doctrine of the Union with Christ is such a vital teaching for the Christian life that the Christian’s growth is hindered without it. Inversely, the doctrine adds an entirely new dimension to the spiritual life of the believer. As the opening verse above teaches, a Christian is spiritually nourished by their union to Christ and cannot survive apart from this union, “Remain in me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me,” (John 15:4-5).
Definition
A brief definition of the Doctrine of Union with Christ: “that intimate, vital, and spiritual union between Christ and His people, in virtue of which He is the source of their life and strength, of their blessedness and salvation. The transforming union in which believers are changed into the image of Christ under the influence of the Holy Spirit. It is the relationship of believers with God on the basis of the salvation they receive through Jesus Christ.”
Considering the seriousness of sin, its consequences, and the need for redemption, the image of our Savior comes into greater focus. He lowered Himself from His exalted status on His heavenly throne and took on a human nature, He lived a sinless life, was tortured, suffered, and died on the cross as He paid the penalty for our sins. Through His sacrifice the believer is rescued from the Kingdom of Darkness and enters into the Kingdom of God, where he/she becomes united to Christ. This is a mystical and divine union that transcends all human understanding because it extends into the metaphysical realm, (beyond the physical world). It is a supernatural union that is generated through the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit. The Spirit mediates the union in order to direct the believer’s spiritual growth by keeping Christ as the center and focus of their life. The Spirit of Christ and the spirit of the believer become united in an eternal partnership where Christ is their source of life, strength, and spiritual nourishment.
Closing Thoughts
The instruction in this article is intended to advance the spiritual growth of Christians as they progress in their maturity process. Many Christians if they were asked would admit that they have never heard of this doctrine and have not been taught it in their churches. Due to this neglect of proper instruction by many pastors and church leaders it is essential that this vital teaching is presented by qualified teachers and ministries such as this one. The importance of this doctrine in the life of every believer cannot be stated enough. The Christian life cannot function apart from this union with Christ. It is dependent on Christ, His teachings, and the leading of the Holy Spirit. For the believer, being in union with Christ and abiding in Him are a necessary aspect of their sanctification. Jesus taught His disciples the necessity of abiding in the True Vine and His teaching is equally binding on us today. We can use this wisdom today as we can be drawn away from our faith by the cares of the world, temptation, and through spiritual warfare. By abiding in Christ, we replenish our faith and spiritual strength by the nurturing of the vine. Remember, our union with Christ brings many benefits and blessings such as the blessing of our status of being “in Christ,” where we are able to access the fountain of Christ now, and for eternity in the heavenly kingdom.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ,“
Ephesians 1:3
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