Union to Christ 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, Ephesians 1:4.
2. Vital, or spiritual, formed in the moment of our regeneration, John 17:26, 1 John 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, John 17:11; John 17:21, &c. It is also compared to the union of a vine and its branches, John 1:15-5. To the union of our food with our bodies, John 1:6-57. To the union of the body with the head, Ephesians 1:4-16.
To the conjugal union, Ephesians 5:23; Ephesians 5:30. To the union of a king and his subjects, Matthew 25:34; Matthew 25:40. To a building, 1 Peter 1:2-5, Ephesians 1:2-22. It is also represented by an identity or sameness of spirit, 1 Corinthians 6:17. by an identity of body, 1 Corinthians 12:12; 1 Corinthians 12:27. by an identity of interest, Matthew 25:40. John 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, Ephesians 5:32. Honourable union, 1 John 1:3-2. Supernatural union, 1 Corinthians 1:30. Holy, 1 John 1:3-24. Necessary, John 15:4. Inviolable, Romans 1:8-39. Some state it thus:
1. An union of natures, Hebrews 2:11.
2. Of actions, his obedience being imputed to us, and our sins reckoned to him, 2 Corinthians 5:21.
3. Of life, Colossians 3:4.
4. Of sentiment, 2 Corinthians 5:17.
5. Of interest, Matthew 25:34, &c.
6. Of affection, 2 Corinthians 5:14.
7. Of residence, John 17:24. The advantages of it are knowledge, Ephesians 1:18. Fellowship, 1 Corinthians 1:9. Security, John 1:15-27: Felicity, 1 Peter 1:8. Spirituality, John 15:8. and indeed, all the rich communications of spiritual blessings here and hereafter, Colossians 1:22. The evidences of union to Christ are, light in the understanding, 1 Peter 2:9. Affection to him, John 14:21. Frequent communion with him, 1 John 1:3. Delight in his word, ordinances, and people, Psalms 27:4; Psalms 1:119-176: Submission to his will, and conformity to his image, 1 John 2:5. Dickinson's Letters, let. 17; Flavel's Method of Grace, ser. 2; Polhill on Union; Brown's compend. b. 5. ch. 1.