Union With Christ

1. The Heart of Salvation Union with Christ is the central truth of salvation.
Every part of redemption—election, justification, adoption, sanctification, glorification—flows from being “in Christ.” “Salvation in its entirety can be seen as union with Christ.”

2. Biblical Foundation Grudem points to many New Testament passages:
“In Christ” or “in Him” appears over 165 times in Paul’s letters.
Examples: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation” (2 Cor. 5:17). “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus”
(Rom. 8:1). “Blessed be the God…who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing” (Eph. 1:3).

3. Stages of Union with Christ Grudem explains that union with Christ has past, present, and future aspects:
Past – We were chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:4). Present – We are joined with Christ by faith now (Gal. 2:20; Rom. 6:5).
Future – We will be raised with Christ in glory (Col. 3:4).

4. Four Dimensions of Union Grudem summarizes union with Christ in four dimensions:
We are in Christ – God sees us as belonging to His Son; His righteousness covers us. Christ is in us – The Spirit of Christ dwells in believers, giving power for life and holiness.
We are like Christ – Through sanctification, His character is formed in us. We are with Christ – In trials now and in eternal glory later, we share fellowship with Him.

5. Benefits of Being in Christ Justification –
We are declared righteous in Christ (Phil. 3:9). Adoption – We are God’s children in Christ (Gal. 3:26). Sanctification – We are being made holy in Christ (1 Cor. 1:30). Glorification – Our future hope is secure in Christ (Rom. 8:17).

6. Practical Application Being in Christ shapes our identity (who we are).
It gives us security (nothing can separate us from His love – Rom. 8:38–39). It calls us to holiness (since we are united with Him, we must live as He lived).