Our union with Christ began before the foundation of the world as the individual is elected in Christ (Eph. 1:4). He has predestined us to adoption in Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:5). Although elect from before the world began, we enter into creation as condemned sinners (Eph. 2:1-3) and need to experience the grace of God in the application of redemption (Eph. 2:4-6). We are saved by grace through faith. 

When we think about the doctrine of salvation, one of the more important topics to explore is the relationship between union with Christ and justification by faith. In fact, if we have a poor connection between these concepts, our understanding of salvation will be lacking. John Murray has written, “Union with Christ is really the central truth of the whole doctrine of salvation not only in its application but also in its once-for-all accomplishment in the finished work of Christ.”[i] While Calvin considered justification “the main hinge on which all religion turns,” he also believed that God’s grace comes to us a part of the double grace (justification and sanctification) which flows from our union with Christ. [ii]

When the Christian becomes saved, they become a partaker in Christ and all the benefits of Christ. Our union with Christ began before the foundation of the world as the individual is elected in Christ (Eph. 1:4). He has predestined us to adoption in Jesus Christ (Eph. 1:5). Although elect from before the world began, we enter into creation as condemned sinners (Eph. 2:1-3) and need to experience the grace of God in the application of redemption (Eph. 2:4-6). We are saved by grace through faith. (Eph. 2:8). John Calvin summarized this well:

First, we must understand that as long as Christ remains outside of us, and we are separated from him, all that he has suffered and had done for salvation of the human race remains useless and of no value for us. Therefore, to share with us what he has received from the Father, he had to become ours and dwell within us. For this reason, he is called “our Head” [Eph. 4:15], and “the first-born among many brethren” [Rom. 8:29]. We also, in turn are said to be “engrafted into him” [Rom. 11:17], and to “put on Christ” [Gal. 3:27]; for, as I have said, all that he possesses is nothing to us until we grow into one body with him.”[iii]

Paul often uses the phrase “in Christ” as a way of describing our union with Christ. The believer is united to Christ and placed in connected relationship to him. The relationship is sometimes called a “mystical union” by theologians to identify that it is not a physical connection but a spiritual one. It is a type of union analogous to a marriage covenant but with a deeper connection as the benefits Christ achieved now become realities in which the believer participates. We receive what he has won. What was accomplished in the cross and resurrection is now applied. One of those benefits flowing to us through our union is our justification.

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