Union with Christ

The Pauline concept that describes the achievements of the death and resurrection of Christ and its effect for believers is union with Christ. Paul designates the union by the phrase in Christ. The substitutionary work of Christ on the cross releases from the power of sin and death, and His resurrection provides a new life in Christ (Rom.6:1-11). That new life is the personal possession and destiny of every believer. It is a union by which the totality of God\u27s gifts are obtained. The union takes place through the baptism of the Holy Spirit (I Cor.12:13) at the moment of exercising genuine faith. It encompasses three distinct aspects which define the parameters of Paul\u27s Christology. The first is an objective union in which the believer shares Christ\u27s righteousness (I Cor.l:30; II Cor.5:21), satisfying the wrath and just demands of the Father and gaining acquittal from divine judgment. The second is an identification with Christ in His death and resurrection (Rom.6; Col.2:10-13) which is the basis for sharing the incredible personal history and destiny of Christ. Finally, the subjective union or Christ in you emphasizes a personal, progressive sanctification based on the reflection of Christ who indwells and the empowerment of the likewise indwelling Spirit (II Cor.3:14-18; Col.l:27-28). Therefore, union with Christ becomes a pivotal concept in understanding not only Pauline Christology, but also the forensic status, temporal existence, and eternal future of every church age believer. Indeed, Christianity is just another religion if people cannot share the life and destiny of Jesus Christ