Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Concept Union, in a biblical context, refers to the coming together of individuals, groups, or entities in harmony and agreement, often under the guidance and purpose of God. This concept is deeply rooted in the Scriptures, emphasizing the unity of believers with God, with one another, and within the body of Christ, the Church. Union with God The Bible speaks of a profound union between God and His people. This relationship is characterized by covenantal promises and spiritual intimacy. In John 15:4 , Jesus invites believers to "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 union is foundational for spiritual growth and fruitfulness. Union with Christ Central to Christian theology is the believer's union with Christ. This union is both mystical and real, signifying that believers are spiritually joined to Christ in His death, resurrection, and life. Romans 6:5 states, "For if we have been united with Him like this in His death, we will certainly also be united with Him in His resurrection." This union assures believers of their salvation and eternal life. Union in the Body of Christ The New Testament frequently addresses the unity of believers within the Church, the body of Christ. Ephesians 4:3-6 exhorts believers to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all." This passage underscores the importance of maintaining unity through shared faith and purpose. Union in Marriage Marriage is another significant biblical example of union. Genesis 2:24 describes the marital union as, "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh." This union is a divine institution, reflecting the relationship between Christ and the Church, as elaborated in Ephesians 5:31-32 . Union in the Spirit The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in fostering union among believers. 1 Corinthians 12:13 states, "For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free, and we were all given one Spirit to drink." The Spirit unites diverse individuals into a cohesive community, transcending cultural and social barriers. Union and Reconciliation Union is closely linked with reconciliation, as seen in the work of Christ. Colossians 1:20 declares, "and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His blood, shed on the cross." This reconciliation restores the broken relationship between humanity and God, enabling a restored union. Union in Diversity The Bible acknowledges diversity within the unity of believers. Galatians 3:28 affirms, "There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." This verse highlights that unity in Christ transcends ethnic, social, and gender distinctions, creating a diverse yet unified community. Challenges to Union Despite the biblical call for unity, challenges such as division, strife, and false teachings can threaten union among believers. The apostle Paul addresses these issues in 1 Corinthians 1:10 , urging, "I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree together, so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be united in mind and conviction." Conclusion The concept of union in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing spiritual, relational, and communal dimensions. It is a divine mandate that reflects God's desire for harmony and unity among His people, achieved through faith in Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The act of uniting or joining two or more things into one, or the state of being united or joined; junction; coalition; combination.2. (n.) Agreement and conjunction of mind, spirit, will, affections, or the like; harmony; concord. 3. (n.) That which is united, or made one; something formed by a combination or coalition of parts or members; a confederation; a consolidated body; a league; as, the weavers have formed a union; trades unions have become very numerous; the United States of America are often called the Union. 4. (n.) A textile fabric composed of two or more materials, as cotton, silk, wool, etc., woven together. 5. (n.) A large, fine pearl. 6. (n.) A device emblematic of union, used on a national flag or ensign, sometimes, as in the military standard of Great Britain, covering the whole field; sometimes, as in the flag of the United States, and the English naval and marine flag, occupying the upper inner corner, the rest of the flag being called the fly. Also, a flag having such a device; especially, the flag of Great Britain. 7. (n.) A joint or other connection uniting parts of machinery, or the like, as the elastic pipe of a tender connecting it with the feed pipe of a locomotive engine; especially, a pipe fitting for connecting pipes, or pipes and fittings, in such a way as to facilitate disconnection. 8. (n.) A cask suspended on trunnions, in which fermentation is carried on. Greek 4921. sunistemi and sunistano -- to commend, establish, stand near ... ... 4921 (from 4862 , "union, together " and 2476 , "to stand") -- properly, "stand together," referring to facts "lining up" with each other to () something. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4921.htm - 8k 1721. emphutos -- innate, implanted 218. aleipho -- anoint. 190. akoloutheo -- to follow 2859. kolpos -- the bosom 431. anepsios -- a cousin 4954. sussomos -- of the same body 537. hapas -- all, the whole 1. alpha -- alpha 573. haplous -- simple, single Strong's Hebrew 2260c. chobelim -- union... chobelim. 2261 . union. Transliteration: chobelim Short Definition: Union. Word Origin from chabal Definition union NASB Word Usage Union (2). 2260b, 2260c ... /hebrew/2260c.htm - 5k 261. Echud -- "union," a Benjamite 8388. ta'ar -- probably to incline Library Union and Communion Presbyterian Proposals of Union. -- Whether the Union of the Two Natures in Christ is the Greatest of ... Whether Union is an Effect of Love? Of the Mode of Union of the Word Incarnate (Twelve Articles) Congregational Proposals of Union. -- Whether the Union of the Divine Nature and the Human is Anything ... Whether Union is the Same as Assumption? For Union. The Lambeth Conference and the Union of Churches in South India. ... Thesaurus Union (24 Occurrences)... formed by a combination or coalition of parts or members; a confederation; a consolidated body; a league; as, the weavers have formed a union; trades unions ... /u/union.htm - 15k Continues (32 Occurrences) Graft (1 Occurrence) Mystery (31 Occurrences) Obeys (17 Occurrences) Immersion Incarnation (1 Occurrence) Faithful (136 Occurrences) Trine Triune Resources What is a Union church? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to have union with Christ? | GotQuestions.org What is the hypostatic union? | GotQuestions.org Union: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Union (24 Occurrences)John 6:56 Acts 17:28 Romans 14:14 1 Corinthians 1:10 1 Corinthians 6:17 1 Corinthians 7:14 2 Corinthians 1:21 Ephesians 2:21 Ephesians 4:15 Philippians 4:7 Colossians 2:6 Colossians 3:14 1 John 2:24 1 John 2:27 1 John 2:28 1 John 3:6 1 John 3:24 1 John 4:12 1 John 4:13 1 John 4:15 1 John 4:16 1 John 5:20 Zechariah 11:7 Zechariah 11:14 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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