Dictionary of Bible Themes – 6755 union with Christ, nature of
Resources chevron-right Dictionary of Bible Themes chevron-right 6000 Sin and salvation chevron-right 6600 Aspects of salvation chevron-right 6754 union with Christ chevron-right 6755 union with Christ, nature of
6755 union with Christ, nature of

6755 union with Christ, nature of

The nature of the union of Jesus Christ with believers is explained using a number of central images. The NT stresses the reality, closeness and considerable benefits of this union.

A covenantal relationship

OT background Isa 54:5-8 The marriage covenant is used to illustrate the intimacy of the relationship between God and his people. See also Jer 3:14; Jer 31:32; Hos 2:7,16

In the NT Eph 5:31-32

A relationship deepened through the incarnation

Jn 1:14 See also Ro 8:3; 2Co 5:21; Gal 4:4; Php 2:7-8; 1Ti 3:16; Heb 2:14-18

A relationship personally entered through faith

Jn 3:16 See also Jn 1:12; Jn 2:11; Jn 7:38; Ac 16:31; Ro 3:22; Ro 8:1; Ro 10:9-10; 2Co 5:17; Gal 2:16

A relationship enriched through the sacraments

Baptism Ro 6:3-5; Gal 3:27 See also Mt 28:19; Ro 6:8; Col 2:11-12

The Lord’s Supper Mt 26:26-28 pp Mk 14:22-24 pp Lk 22:17-20; 1Co 10:16; 1Co 11:23-29

A relationship that affects every aspect of life

1Co 6:17 See also Jn 15:1-8; Jn 17:20-26; Ro 8:9-11; 1Co 6:19-20; Gal 2:20

It is a mysterious relationship

Col 1:27 See also Eph 5:32

See also

2369Christ, responses to
2595incarnation
4018life, spiritual
6214participation in Christ
6676justification
7115children of God
7155saints
7903baptism
7933Lord’s Supper
8102abiding in Christ
8206Christlikeness
8258fruitfulness, spiritual