What does 1 Corinthians 6:17 reveal about our relationship with Christ? Scripture Focus 1 Corinthians 6:17: “But he who unites himself with the Lord is one with Him in spirit.” Union, Not Just Association • The verb “unites” (kollaō) pictures two objects glued together—inseparable. • Our relationship with Christ is therefore an actual, living fusion, not a loose partnership. • Comparable imagery: “He who is joined to the LORD is one” (Deuteronomy 10:20) and “cling to Him” (Joshua 23:8). What “One Spirit” Means • Spiritual oneness is real, not symbolic. • Christ’s life literally indwells ours (Galatians 2:20; Colossians 1:27). • We share His nature: “you may become partakers of the divine nature” (2 Peter 1:4). Union Illustrated Elsewhere • Vine and branches—John 15:4-5: life flows continuously from Christ to us. • Marriage imagery—Ephesians 5:30-32: the two become “one flesh,” pointing to Christ and the church. • Body analogy—1 Corinthians 12:13: “by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body.” Immediate Implications 1. Identity — We are now defined by Christ’s presence, not by past sin or culture (2 Corinthians 5:17). 2. Purity — Context of 1 Corinthians 6 stresses sexual holiness; union with Christ makes impurity unthinkable (vv. 15-20). 3. Security — What is joined by the Spirit cannot be torn apart by human effort (John 10:28-29). 4. Purpose — We exist to express His life on earth (Philippians 1:21). Practical Outworking • Daily Abiding: consciously depend on His indwelling power (John 15:5). • Mind Renewal: fill thoughts with His Word so union shapes behavior (Romans 12:2). • Corporate Expression: our shared union creates genuine Christian unity (Ephesians 4:3-4). • Holy Living: flee anything that would dishonor the One who shares our spirit (1 Peter 1:15-16). Assurance and Hope • Resurrection Certainty: united with Him in death and life (Romans 6:5). • Ongoing Intercession: the indwelling Spirit pleads for us according to God’s will (Romans 8:26-27). • Future Glory: we will be “like Him” when He appears (1 John 3:2) because the union begun now will be fully revealed then. Summing Up 1 Corinthians 6:17 declares that believers are literally fused with Christ in spirit. This oneness grants identity, purity, security, and purpose, calling us to live every moment out of the reality that His life is now our life. |
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