Theology of the Church, Mentor's Guide, MG03

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T H E O L O G Y O F T H E C H U R C H

B. Union with Christ has a legal (judicial) dimension: God placed his wrath and judgment on Christ who died in our place. Through union with Christ, we share in his death on the cross and therefore, God considers our sins to be paid for and graciously forgives them.

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1. Isa. 53.5

2. Heb. 9.28

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3. Col. 2.13-14

Since faith is a believing in and union with Christ, this imputation of righteousness is by no means a pretense or make-believe, as if God declares about us what really is not so. Rather, by virtue of our union with Christ through faith (Christ thereby living in us), God declares what really is true. Yes, God does justify the ungodly, but only as they are believers in Christ and thereby united with him. Hence, Christ’s righteousness does clothe the sinner and he is in some sense thereby constituted righteous, but this occurs through the faith that unites one to Jesus Christ. . . .This does not mean that we are no longer sinner, for indeed in ourselves we are. But in Christ, we are wholly righteous!

~ J. Rodman Williams. Renewal Theology . Vol. 2. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996. p. 74.

C. Union with Christ has a spiritual dimension: because our spirit is joined with his Spirit, Jesus’ life flows through us overcoming corruption and death.

1. Rom. 8.10-11

2. Col. 3.3-4