UNION TO CHRIST
UNION TO CHRIST
That act of divine grace by which we are joined to Christ; and is considered,
1. As virtual, or that which was formed from all eternity, Eph 1:4.
2. Vital, or spiritual, formed in the moment of our regeneration, Joh 17:26, 1Jn 4:13. It is represented in the Scripture by the strongest expressions language can admit of, and even compared to the union between the Father and the Son, Joh 17:11; Joh 17:21, &c. It is also compared to the union of a vine and its branches, Joh 15:4-5. To the union of our food with our bodies, Joh 6:56-57. To the union of the body with the head, Eph 4:15-16.
To the conjugal union, Eph 5:23; Eph 5:30. To the union of a king and his subjects, Mat 25:34; Mat 25:40. To a building, 1Pe 2:4-5, Eph 2:21-22. It is also represented by an identity or sameness of spirit, 1Co 6:17. By an identity of body, 1Co 12:12; 1Co 12:27. By an identity of interest, Mat 25:40. Joh 20:17. This union must be considered not as a mere mental union only in comfort or notion; nor a physical union as between the head and the members; nor as an essential union, or union with the divine nature; but as a mystical union, Eph 5:32. Honourable union, 1Jn 3:1-2. Supernatural union, 1Co 1:30. Holy, 1Jn 3:1-24. Necessary, Joh 15:4. Inviolable, Rom 8:38-39. Some state it thus:
1. An union of natures, Heb 2:11.
2. Of actions, his obedience being imputed to us, and our sins reckoned to him, 2Co 5:21.
3. Of life, Col 3:4.
4. Of sentiment, 2Co 5:17.
5. Of interest, Mat 25:34, &c.
6. Of affection, 2Co 5:14.
7. Of residence, Joh 17:24. The advantages of it are knowledge, Eph 1:18. Fellowship, 1Co 1:9. Security, Joh 15:1-27 : Felicity, 1Pe 1:8. Spirituality, Joh 15:8. and indeed, all the rich communications of spiritual blessings here and hereafter, Col 1:22. The evidences of union to Christ are, light in the understanding, 1Pe 2:9. Affection to him, Joh 14:21. Frequent communion with him, 1Jn 1:3. Delight in his word, ordinances, and people, Psa 27:4; Psa 119:1-176 : Submission to his will, and conformity to his image, 1Jn 2:5. Dickinson’s Letters, let. 17; Flavel’s Method of Grace, ser. 2; Polhill on Union; Brown’s compend. b. 5. ch. 1.