Nature of union with Christ

Sermon • Submitted 10 months ago • Presented 10 months ago

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The nature of the union of Jesus Christ with believers is explained using a number of central images. The NT stresses the reality, closeness and considerable benefits of this union.

Notes

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A covenantal relationship

OT background

Is 54:5–8 The marriage covenant is used to illustrate the intimacy of the relationship between God and his people.

See also Je 3:14; Je 31:32; Ho 2:7; Ho 2:16

In the NT

Ephesians 5:31–32 ESV

“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church.

A relationship deepened through the incarnation

John 1:14 ESV

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

See also Ro 8:3; 2 Co 5:21; Ga 4:4; Php 2:7–8; 1 Ti 3:16; Heb 2:14–18

A relationship personally entered through faith

John 3:16 ESV

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

See also Jn 1:12; Jn 2:11; Jn 7:38; Ac 16:31; Ro 3:22; Ro 8:1; Ro 10:9–10; 2 Co 5:17; Ga 2:16

A relationship enriched through the sacraments

Baptism

Ro 6:3–5; Ga 3:27

See also Mt 28:19; Ro 6:8; Col 2:11–12

The Lord’s Supper

Mt 26:26–28; 1 Co 10:16; 1 Co 11:23–29

A relationship that affects every aspect of life

1 Corinthians 6:17 ESV

But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him.

See also Jn 15:1–8; Jn 17:20–26; Ro 8:9–11; 1 Co 6:19–20; Ga 2:20

It is a mysterious relationship

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.