Nature of union with Christ

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 KJV 1900

For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

A relationship deepened through the incarnation

John 1:14 KJV 1900

And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of 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 KJV 1900

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting 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 KJV 1900

But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.

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 KJV 1900

To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory:

See also Eph 5:32