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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, etc.). 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 (Ephesians 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 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); an honorable union (1Jn_3:1-2); a supernatural union (1Co_1:30); holy (1Jn_3:24); necessary (Joh_15:4); inviolable (Rom_8:38-39). Some state it, thus: 1. A union of natures (Heb_2:11); 2. Of actions, Christ's 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, etc.); 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 (John 15) 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 with 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; Psalms 119); submission to his will, and conformity to his image (1Jn_2:5). See Dickinson, Letters, let. 17; Flavel, Method of Grace, ser. 2; Polhill, On Union; Brown, Compend. 5, 1.