Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "Union with Christ" is a central tenet in Christian theology, emphasizing the believer's spiritual connection and relationship with Jesus Christ. This union is not only foundational for salvation but also transformative in the life of a believer, particularly in anticipation of Christ's second coming. The New Testament provides insight into the beneficial results of having confidence at His coming, which is deeply rooted in this union.Assurance of Salvation One of the primary benefits of union with Christ is the assurance of salvation. This assurance is not based on human merit but on the finished work of Christ. In 1 John 2:28, believers are encouraged to "continue in Him, so that when He appears, we may be confident and unashamed before Him at His coming" . This confidence stems from a life lived in Christ, marked by faith and obedience, which assures believers of their standing before God. Boldness in Judgment Union with Christ also provides believers with boldness in the face of judgment. The apostle Paul writes in Romans 8:1, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" . This boldness is not arrogance but a humble confidence that arises from being clothed in the righteousness of Christ. As believers anticipate His return, they can do so without fear of condemnation, knowing that their sins have been atoned for. Transformation and Sanctification The anticipation of Christ's coming motivates believers towards holiness and sanctification. In 1 John 3:2-3, it is written, "Beloved, we are now children of God, and what we will be has not yet been revealed. We know that when Christ appears, we will be like Him, for we will see Him as He is. And everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself, just as He is pure" . This hope in Christ's return inspires believers to live lives that reflect His purity and righteousness, demonstrating the transformative power of their union with Him. Joyful Expectation The union with Christ fosters a joyful expectation of His return. In Philippians 3:20-21, Paul reminds believers, "But our citizenship is in heaven, and we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables Him to subject all things to Himself, will transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body" . This eager anticipation is marked by joy, as believers look forward to the fulfillment of God's promises and the ultimate redemption of their bodies. Perseverance in Faith Finally, union with Christ encourages perseverance in faith. Hebrews 10:23 exhorts believers to "hold resolutely to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful" . This perseverance is fueled by the confidence that Christ will return and that His promises are sure. The believer's union with Christ provides the strength and resolve to endure trials and remain steadfast in faith until His coming. In summary, the union with Christ offers believers profound benefits as they anticipate His return. This union assures them of their salvation, emboldens them in the face of judgment, transforms their lives towards holiness, fills them with joyful expectation, and strengthens their perseverance in faith. These results are a testament to the transformative power of being in Christ and the hope that His coming brings. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 John 2:28And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Paul a Pattern of Prayer From the Commencement of the Revolution in 1776, to Its ... Robert Nelson, his Friends, and Church Principles. From the Close of the General Conference of 1824 to the ... From the Close of the General Conference of 1828 to the Beginning ... ii. From the Close of the General Conference of 1836 to the ... A Traveler's Note-Book Introduction Introduction to Oration ii. Resources What does it mean that the marriage bed is undefiled (Hebrews 13:4)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about the concept of a common law marriage? | GotQuestions.org Why is "You shall not commit adultery" in the Ten Commandments? | GotQuestions.org Union: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Union With Christ is Indissoluble Union With Christ: As Head of the Church Union With Christ: Beneficial Results of Abundant Fruitfulness Union With Christ: Beneficial Results of Answers to Prayer Union With Christ: Beneficial Results of Being Created Anew Union With Christ: Beneficial Results of Confidence at his Coming Union With Christ: Beneficial Results of Freedom from Condemnation Union With Christ: Beneficial Results of Freedom from Dominion of Sin Union With Christ: Beneficial Results of Righteousness Imputed Union With Christ: Beneficial Results of The Spirit Alive to Righteousness Union With Christ: Christ Being in Us Union With Christ: Christ Prayed That all Saints Might Have Union With Christ: False Teachers Have Not Union With Christ: Illustrated: Body and Members Union With Christ: Illustrated: Foundation and Building Union With Christ: Illustrated: Husband and Wife Union With Christ: Illustrated: Vine and Branches Union With Christ: Includes Union With the Father Union With Christ: Maintained by Abiding in Him Union With Christ: Maintained by Faith Union With Christ: Maintained by Feeding on Him Union With Christ: Maintained by His Word Abiding in Us Union With Christ: Maintained by Obeying Him Union With Christ: Necessary to Fruitfulness Union With Christ: Necessary to Growth in Grace Union With Christ: Our Being in Christ Union With Christ: Punishment of Those Who Have Not Union With Christ: Saints are Complete Through Union With Christ: Saints: Enjoy, in the Lord's Supper Union With Christ: Saints: Exhorted to Maintain Union With Christ: Saints: Have Assurance of Union With Christ: Saints: Have, in his Death Union With Christ: Saints: Have, in Love Union With Christ: Saints: Have, in Mind Union With Christ: Saints: Have, in Spirit Union With Christ: Saints: Have, in Sufferings Union With Christ: Saints: Identified With Christ By Union With Christ: The Gift of the Holy Spirit is an Evidence of Union With Christ: The Holy Spirit Witnesses Union With Christ: They Who Have, Ought to Walk As he Walked Related Terms |