Daily Christian Journey

The Foundation of Christian Faith: Union with Christ and Justification

Understanding Union with Christ

At the heart of Christian theology lies the concept of union with Christ, yet its meaning remains unclear. This ambiguity has led to diverse interpretations among Protestants, Roman Catholics, and Eastern Orthodox Christians. Despite the lack of a clear definition, Scripture provides insight into this concept through various events and blessings, such as Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, baptism, and the Lord’s Supper.

The Interconnectedness of Union and Justification

One crucial aspect of understanding union with Christ is its relationship with justification. A proper doctrine of justification helps clarify the meaning of union with Christ. However, it is equally important to recognize that justification cannot be fully understood independently of union with Christ. The Bible emphasizes that justification occurs “in Christ” or “in him,” highlighting the necessity of understanding union with Christ to grasp justification.

The Resurrection of Christ: A Key to Understanding Union and Justification

The resurrection of Christ provides further insight into the interconnectedness of union and justification. Scripture reveals that Christ was justified in his resurrection, and believers are raised with Christ. This implies that understanding our justification requires understanding Christ’s resurrection and our union with him.

Covenantal Union and Justification

The covenant of grace, as demonstrated in Galatians 3, is another area where union with Christ and justification intersect. Recognizing the relational and legal dimensions of biblical covenants underscores the mutual illumination of union and justification.

The Role of the Holy Spirit in Union and Justification

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in uniting believers with Christ, raising Christ from the dead, and creating the faith by which believers are justified. This theological angle further highlights the interconnectedness of union and justification.

The Centrality of Union with Christ

Without union with Christ, Christianity loses its foundation. Our standing before God, inner nature, and eternal destiny all flow from our representative, either Adam or Christ. Understanding union with Christ is essential to grasping the Christian faith.

Practical Implications of Union with Christ

Recognizing the significance of union with Christ has practical implications for believers. It affects our understanding of our standing before God, our inner nature, and our eternal destiny. By embracing our union with Christ, we can experience the transformative power of the gospel in our daily lives.