Union with Christ, significance of

The union between Jesus Christ and believers is the basis for all exhortation to faithful, holy living, as well as to sharing in all his benefits.

For the believer

Identification with Jesus Christ

Matthew 10:40 See also Matthew 18:5, Matthew 25:40; Ephesians 1:1; Philippians 1:1

He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives the One who sent Me.

The experience of being in Christ

Romans 8:10; 2 Corinthians 5:17 See also John 14:20; 2 Corinthians 13:5; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 3:14–19; Colossians 1:27

But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness.

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!

Conformity to Jesus Christ

Colossians 3:1–4 See also Matthew 16:24 parallels Mark 8:34, Luke 9:23; Romans 6:5; 1 Corinthians 6:15–17; 2 Corinthians 4:10; Ephesians 2:6; Philippians 3:10–11; 1 Peter 4:13; 1 John 2:6, 1 John 2:28, 1 John 3:24, 1 John 5:20

Therefore, since you have been raised with Christ, strive for the things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

Righteousness in Christ

Romans 4:23–25; 2 Corinthians 5:21 See also Romans 1:17; 1 Corinthians 1:30

Now the words “it was credited to him” were written not only for Abraham, but also for us, to whom righteousness will be credited— for us who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was delivered over to death for our trespasses and was raised to life for our justification.

God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.

Blessing in Christ

Ephesians 1:3–14

For the church

In persecution

Acts 9:3–5 See also Acts 22:6–8, Acts 26:14

As Saul drew near to Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?” “Who are You, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” He replied.

In service

1 Corinthians 12:12 See also Romans 12:4–8; 1 Corinthians 12:27; Ephesians 1:22–23, Ephesians 5:28–30; Colossians 3:15

The body is a unit, though it is composed of many parts. And although its parts are many, they all form one body. So it is with Christ.