Download United to Christ

United to Christ
Memory verse: Col. 3:3
Introduction:
Assurance of salvation is intimately linked to the theological truth of union with Christ.
Being united to Christ means that what is true of Him—death, burial and resurrection—is
true of us. Where He was, so were we. Where He is now, so are we. These truths
establish our identity in Christ and, if believed, provide unshakable security and
confidence.
Objectives:
1. To understand the biblical teaching regarding our union with Christ
2. To understand how these truths provide confidence and assurance of salvation
What does it mean to be united to Christ?
Eph. 1:3-14
What is true regarding us “in Christ?”
-Blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places (3)
-He chose us (4)
-We have redemption (7)
-Gather together all things (10)
-We have obtained an inheritance (11)
-Sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise (13)
*All these truths (and more) are “in Christ”
Have you trusted in Him? (13)
-If so, then all these things are true also of you
-If so, your inheritance is guaranteed
What is the argument or point of vs. 13 & 14?
-We have assurance!
What is a “guarantee?”
-Assurance
Who backs up this guarantee?
-Jesus
What is the “purchased possession?”
-You!
Col.3:1-4
Being united to Christ, what then should I do? (1, 2)
-Seek those things which are where He is, the things above
*What are those things above?
What is the death referred to here? (3)
-Gal. 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ…”
What does it mean that “your life is hidden with Christ in God?” (3)
-When God “looks” at His people he sees the second Adam, Jesus. He sees His
righteousness, not our sins, nor our wretched attempts to be righteous (filthy
rags)
What hope does this give us? (4)
-When Christ is revealed we will be revealed with Him in glory
Therefore, how should we live? (5)
-Mortify the flesh; put to death those sins which defile us
-Note the order: we are placed in Christ, therefore we “put to death.” We don’t
“put to death” in order to gain union with Christ.
(Other passages: Rom. 6:1-12; Rom. 8:1; Gal. 2:20; 2 Cor. 5:17-21)
How do I know that I’m truly united to Christ?
Rom. 8:15-16
Do I cry out “Abba, Father!”
-If so, this is God’s Spirit within telling us that we are His children
-I’m united to Christ
1 Jn. 1:8-10
Do I confess my sin?
-If so, I’m forgiven and cleansed
-I’m united to Christ
1 Jn. 3:14
Do I love the brethren?
-If so, I’ve passed from death to life
-I’m united to Christ
Matt. 5:3
Are you poor in spirit?
-If so, the kingdom of heaven is yours
-I’m united to Christ
Matt. 5:6
Do you thirst for righteousness?
-If so, you will be filled
-I’m united to Christ
Summary: The above passages describe for us what those united to Christ looks like. We can tell
who they are by their lives, both inward and outward.
-We also should note that at times the evidence is more compelling to those witnessing
the externals than it is those introspective souls who look into their own hearts.
Conclusion
1. Our union with Christ is something we must embrace by faith. We are Christ’s
“purchased possession” but have not yet been redeemed in the ultimate,
eschatological sense. But that ultimate redemption is guaranteed by God Himself!
2. We know this is true because God’s Word says it is. The truest thing about me is what
God says about me in His Word, not what I think and feel about myself.
3. The resulting assurance is not based on:
a. Our perfect obedience
-Rather it is based on Christ’s perfect obedience
b. My conduct (though my conduct is important)
-Rrather it is based on who I am—a child of God, in Christ !
c. The absence of sin
-Rather it is seen in our response to sin
d. Emotions we conjure up by looking into our slippery hearts.
-Rather, we look to Christ. We look to God’s Word.