Topical Bible: Union With Christ: Beneficial Results of Righteousness Imputed

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Introduction

Union with Christ is a central tenet of Christian theology, emphasizing the believer's spiritual connection with Jesus Christ. This union is foundational for understanding the imputation of righteousness, a doctrine that asserts the righteousness of Christ is credited to believers, enabling them to stand justified before God. The beneficial results of this imputed righteousness are manifold, impacting both the believer's spiritual standing and daily life.

Justification and Peace with God

The imputation of Christ's righteousness results in the believer's justification, a legal declaration of righteousness before God. Romans 5:1 states, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a profound reconciliation with God, restoring the relationship that sin had severed.

Adoption as Children of God

Through union with Christ, believers are adopted into the family of God. Galatians 4:4-5 explains, "But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive our adoption as sons." This adoption grants believers the status of children of God, with all the rights and privileges therein, including the intimate relationship of calling God "Abba, Father" (Romans 8:15).

Sanctification and Transformation

The imputed righteousness of Christ initiates the process of sanctification, whereby believers are progressively transformed into the likeness of Christ. Philippians 1:6 assures believers of this ongoing work: "being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will continue to perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." This transformation is both a positional reality and a practical outworking in the believer's life, as they grow in holiness and obedience.

Assurance of Salvation

Union with Christ and the imputation of His righteousness provide believers with assurance of their salvation. Romans 8:38-39 offers a powerful promise: "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." This assurance is rooted in the unbreakable bond between Christ and the believer.

Access to God's Presence

The righteousness imputed to believers grants them direct access to God's presence. Hebrews 4:16 encourages believers to "approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." This access is a privilege of the believer's union with Christ, allowing for intimate communion with God through prayer and worship.

Eternal Life and Inheritance

Finally, the imputation of righteousness secures for believers the promise of eternal life and an inheritance in the kingdom of God. Titus 3:7 declares, "so that, having been justified by His grace, we would become heirs with the hope of eternal life." This inheritance is imperishable and reserved in heaven for those united with Christ (1 Peter 1:4).

Conclusion

The doctrine of union with Christ and the imputation of His righteousness is rich with spiritual blessings and practical implications for the believer. These benefits underscore the transformative power of the gospel and the profound grace extended to those who are in Christ.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Corinthians 5:21
For he has made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Philippians 3:9
And be found in him, not having my own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

A Traveler's Note-Book
... the belief and feeling of an intimate union between man and a ... in Isaiah's day, last
and most fondly as Christ. ... the idea that what is morally beneficial may be ...
/.../merriam/the chief end of man/iii a travelers note-book.htm

Enthusiasm.
... than ocean,'[520] but only through union and conformity ... The innocent Christ did not
suffer to quiet an ... Vice is beneficial found, When it's by justice lopt and ...
/.../abbey/the english church in the eighteenth century/chapter vii enthusiasm.htm

The General Conference of 1828
... Its results, at best, must be problematical; and, in our ... there be, therefore, any
consolation in Christ, if any ... of what have been called Union Societies, for ...
/.../chapter 9 the general conference.htm

Homilies on the Statues.
... Beginning, a small, great results from, [617]405, [618 ... Christ, teaching of,
[700]348; scorned in the poor ... person, [968]408; Jews knew righteousness prevailed ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/chrysostom/on the priesthood/homilies on the statues.htm

part ii
... spiritual enlightenment and piety, and in this union there is ... of the soul (it thirsts
after righteousness, for justification, Christ, for sanctification ...
//christianbookshelf.org/calvin/my life in christ/part ii.htm