The concept of the union of saints with God and Christ is a profound privilege that underscores the intimate relationship believers have with the divine. This union is not merely a theological abstraction but a living reality that shapes the identity, purpose, and destiny of the saints.

Biblical Foundation

The union of believers with Christ is a central theme in the New Testament. In John 15:4, Jesus declares, "Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me" . This metaphor of the vine and branches illustrates the vital connection between Christ and His followers, emphasizing dependence, sustenance, and growth.

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this union in his epistles. In Galatians 2:20, he writes, "I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me" . Here, Paul speaks of a mystical union where the believer's identity is so intertwined with Christ that their life is a reflection of His presence and power.

Union with God

The union with Christ naturally extends to a union with God the Father. In John 17:21, Jesus prays for His disciples, "that all of them may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I am in You. May they also be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me" . This prayer reveals the divine intention for believers to participate in the unity that exists within the Godhead, a unity characterized by love, purpose, and mission.

Spiritual Implications

The union with God and Christ brings about several spiritual privileges for the saints:

1. Adoption as Children of God: Through union with Christ, believers are adopted into God's family. Romans 8:15-17 states, "For you did not receive a spirit of slavery that returns you to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!' The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children" . This adoption grants believers the rights and privileges of heirs, including an eternal inheritance.

2. Indwelling of the Holy Spirit: The union with Christ ensures the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, who empowers, guides, and sanctifies the believer. In 1 Corinthians 6:19, Paul reminds the saints, "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have received from God?" . This indwelling presence is a constant source of strength and comfort.

3. Participation in Divine Nature: Believers are called to partake in the divine nature, escaping the corruption of the world. 2 Peter 1:4 affirms, "Through these He has given us His precious and magnificent promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, now that you have escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires" . This participation transforms the believer's character and conduct.

4. Assurance of Salvation: The union with Christ provides assurance of salvation and eternal life. In John 10:28-29, Jesus assures, "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand. My Father who has given them to Me is greater than all. No one can snatch them out of My Father’s hand" . This security is a profound comfort to the saints.

Practical Outworking

The union with God and Christ is not only a spiritual reality but also has practical implications for daily living. Believers are called to live in a manner worthy of their calling, reflecting the character of Christ in their interactions and decisions. This union compels a life of holiness, love, and service, as seen in Ephesians 4:1-3, where Paul urges, "I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" .

In summary, the union of saints with God and Christ is a foundational privilege that defines the believer's identity and mission. It is a source of spiritual strength, assurance, and transformation, calling the saints to live out their faith in tangible and impactful ways.John 17:21
That they all may be one; as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that you have sent me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

"And if Christ be in You, the Body is Dead Because of Sin; but the ...
... Now, this being the bond of union betwixt Christ and us ... is furnished to the chiefest
of saints, and yet ... that all may know that these privileges and immunities ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxvi and if christ.htm

The Basis of Union of the United Church of Canada.
... with a right to all the privileges therein implied ... the sacraments, for the upbuilding
of the saints, and for ... which are signified and sealed our union to Christ ...
/.../the creeds of the evangelical protestant churches/the basis of union of.htm

The Covenant of Grace
... Thirdly it has better privileges. ... between the body and the soul, but perfects the
union between Christ ... This has made the saints desire death as the bride the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/1 the covenant of grace.htm

Disciples of Christ; Sometimes Called Campbellites, or Reformers.
... commandments of Jesus, are their bond of union, and not ... as necessary to admission
to the privileges of the ... to contribute to the necessities of saints, and to ...
/.../hayward/the book of religions/disciples of christ sometimes called.htm

The Second Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Corinthians
... is at Corinth, with all the saints which are ... with Christ now absolutely guarantees
union with Him ... for himself"his share in Jewish privileges, his sufferings ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter xi the second epistle.htm

"For what the Law could not Do, in that it was Weak Though the ...
... OR, A DISCOVERY MADE OF THOSE GLORIOUS PRIVILEGES OFFERED UNTO ... dispute against the
interest of all the saints, who were ... to be a pledge of that union and peace. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xii for what the.htm

The Baptist Confession of 1688.
... 6. The members of these churches are saints by calling ... so all that are admitted unto
the privileges of a ... any one church, in their peace, union, and edification ...
/.../the baptist confession of 1688.htm

The Epistle to the Hebrews
... his reproach, since they enjoy far greater privileges than the Old Testament saints
and will ... of the one effecting only ceremonial purity and union with God ...
/.../drummond/introduction to the new testament/the epistle to the hebrews.htm

Mormonites, or the Church of the Latter-Day Saints.
... Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints' was first ... and administrators, and possess
all the privileges that other ... in almost every state in the Union; it has ...
/.../hayward/the book of religions/mormonites or the church of.htm

"That those Grievously Sin who Despise or Neglect God's Gracious ...
... impressed by the exhortations of any of the saints, as he ... The union of many in one,
issuing in the production ... to be a running allusion to the privileges of the ...
/.../clement/exhortation to the heathen/chapter ix that those grievously sin.htm

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