Definition

The doctrine of being "One with Christ" refers to the believer’s union with Christ. It is a foundational concept in Reformed Baptist theology, emphasizing that through faith and the work of the Holy Spirit, believers are spiritually united with Christ. This union is not just a symbolic or external relationship, but a deep, transformative, and mystical reality that affects every aspect of the believer’s life, both in terms of their position before God and their daily conduct. This union enables believers to share in Christ’s death, resurrection, and righteousness, making them spiritually alive and empowered to live for God's glory.

Biblical Support for "One with Christ":

Union with Christ in His Death and Resurrection: Through faith in Christ, believers are united with Him in His death and resurrection. This union with Christ's death is essential to the believer’s freedom from the penalty and power of sin. In Christ’s resurrection, believers are given new life and the hope of eternal glory.
- Romans 6:5 – "For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his."
- Romans 6:8 – "Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him."
- Colossians 3:1 – "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God."
Union with Christ and Righteousness: Believers are declared righteous before God because of their union with Christ. His perfect righteousness is imputed to them, meaning that God sees them as righteous not on account of their own works but because of the work of Christ on their behalf.
- Romans 8:1-2 – "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death."
- 2 Corinthians 5:21 – "For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
- Philippians 3:9 – "And be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith."
Christ in the Believer and the Believer in Christ: This mutual indwelling—Christ in the believer and the believer in Christ—is an essential aspect of the believer’s union with Christ. It ensures that the believer is constantly connected to Christ and draws strength from Him for daily living.
- John 15:4-5 – "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches."
- Galatians 2:20 – "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
- Colossians 1:27 – "To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."

Theological Significance of Being One with Christ:

Spiritual Rebirth and New Identity: Being united with Christ means that the believer undergoes a spiritual rebirth. This union brings about a new identity, as the believer is now "in Christ," and no longer under the dominion of sin or condemnation.
- 2 Corinthians 5:17 – "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
- Romans 8:1 – "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."
Transformation of Life: The union with Christ transforms the believer’s daily life, leading them to grow in holiness, Christlikeness, and obedience. The indwelling of Christ through the Holy Spirit empowers the believer to live according to God’s will.
- Galatians 2:20 – "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me."
- Romans 6:11 – "So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus."
Eternal Security: The believer’s union with Christ ensures their eternal security. Because the believer is united with Christ in His work, they are assured of their final glorification and cannot be separated from Him.
- Romans 8:38-39 – "For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."
- John 10:28-29 – "I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand."

Practical Implications for the Believer:

Union with Christ and Assurance of Salvation: Believers can have assurance of salvation because their standing before God is secured in Christ. Their union with Him is not based on their performance but on His finished work.
- John 6:39-40 – "And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day."
- Hebrews 10:14 – "For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified."
Union with Christ and Christian Fellowship: The union with Christ also fosters fellowship among believers. Because all Christians share in the same union with Christ, they are united in a spiritual bond that transcends earthly distinctions.
- 1 John 1:3 – "That which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ."
Union with Christ and Christian Mission: The believer’s union with Christ compels them to live out their faith and spread the gospel. Their identity in Christ informs their calling and mission in the world.
- Matthew 28:18-20 – "And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations...’"

Conclusion:

The doctrine of being "One with Christ" is a central truth in Reformed Baptist theology, highlighting the believer’s union with Christ in His death, resurrection, and righteousness. This union transforms the believer's life, providing them with spiritual rebirth, assurance of salvation, and the power to live according to God’s will. Believers are assured that nothing can separate them from Christ, and they are called to live in the power of this union for God's glory.

Further Resources:

"Union with Christ" by Rankin Wilbourne – A clear and accessible treatment of the biblical doctrine of union with Christ.
"The Glory of Christ" by John Owen – A deep theological exploration of the person and work of Christ, including the believer’s union with Him.
"The Christian Life: A Doctrinal Introduction" by Michael Horton – A comprehensive study of the Reformed understanding of the Christian life, focusing on union with Christ.

Through these resources, one can gain a deeper understanding of the transformative power of being "One with Christ" and how this shapes every aspect of the believer's life.

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"One with Christ" (Reformed Baptist Understanding)