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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadCharles Buck Theological Dictionary: UNION TO CHRIST
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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, &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.