Union with Christ

What does it mean to be "in Christ"? Does it mean that one is in a favorable position with regard to Christ? Or that God’s disposition is laid favorably upon us? Perhaps it means that one is in the same category of Christ, and as a consequence, God sees us in a new relationship with Him separate from the world. But these definitions have no ground in truth. What is true is this: the phrase “in Christ” means to be in union with Christ. This union is far more than a simple categorical or abstract principal. It is mysterious - yet personal.


Union with Christ means that on account of the fact that we have died in Christ, that we will also live in Christ (Rom 6:1ff). Furthermore, we were chosen “in Christ” before the foundation of the world (Eph 1:4). Therefore from the first – eternal election – to the last – glorification, we are in union with Christ. That is, our union is timeless. We were chosen before time in Christ and we will be united in a resurrection body like His (cf. Rom 6:5; 1 Cor 15:50ff), when Christ returns and is glorified together with us for all eternity (1 Thess 4:17). Our salvation, then, was secured before time for all time. There was never a time when we were not in Christ.

Our heavenly inheritance, then, is secured in virtue of this union. Our election, predestination, calling, regeneration, justification, adoption, sanctification and finally our glorification is all of Christ. But not only this, we are not only in Christ but also in the Father and the Holy Spirit. Jesus and the father are one (John 10:30), and if anyone obeys Christ the Father will love Him and make His abode with the believer (John 14:23). In addition, we have received the Spirit of God also (1 Cor 2:12), thus, we are in constant communion and union with the Triune Godhead.