Topical Encyclopedia Union with Christ is a profound and central tenet of Christian theology, emphasizing the believer's intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. This union is not only initiated by faith but is also sustained through a continual spiritual nourishment, often described as "feeding on Christ." This concept is deeply rooted in Scripture and is essential for the believer's spiritual growth and vitality.Biblical Foundation The idea of feeding on Christ is vividly illustrated in the Gospel of John. Jesus declares, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst" (John 6:35). This metaphor of Christ as the bread of life underscores the necessity of a continual, sustaining relationship with Him. Just as physical food is essential for physical life, so is Christ essential for spiritual life. Further in John 6:56, Jesus states, "Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood remains in Me, and I in him" . This passage, while challenging, highlights the depth of communion and the sustaining power of Christ's life within the believer. It points to a mystical union where the believer partakes in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, drawing spiritual sustenance from Him. Spiritual Nourishment The concept of feeding on Christ is not limited to the sacrament of the Lord's Supper, though it is certainly celebrated there. It extends to a daily, ongoing relationship with Christ through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and obedience to His commands. In John 15:4, Jesus exhorts, "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 abiding relationship is maintained by continually drawing life from Christ, much like a branch draws sustenance from the vine. The Apostle Paul echoes this theme in his epistles, emphasizing the believer's life in Christ. 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 articulates the transformative power of union with Christ, sustained by faith and the indwelling presence of Christ. Practical Implications Maintaining union with Christ through feeding on Him has profound implications for the believer's life. It involves a daily commitment to seek Christ, to immerse oneself in His Word, and to live in obedience to His teachings. This spiritual discipline is not merely a duty but a source of joy and strength, as believers experience the fullness of life that Christ offers. Moreover, this union fosters a deep sense of identity and purpose. As believers feed on Christ, they are conformed to His image, growing in holiness and love. This transformative process is a testament to the power of Christ's life within, enabling believers to bear fruit for His kingdom. In summary, union with Christ, maintained by feeding on Him, is a dynamic and life-giving relationship. It is through this continual nourishment that believers experience the fullness of life in Christ, growing in grace and truth as they abide in Him. Torrey's Topical Textbook John 6:56He that eats my flesh, and drinks my blood, dwells in me, and I in him. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Blessed Prosperity Meditations on the First Psalm. Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant. The Letter of Pope Agatho. The Gospel According to St. John Home-Sympathy. Baptismal Regeneration The Theology of St. Hilary of Poitiers. Nothing but Leaves Christian Sympathy George Muller, and the Secret of His 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 |
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