Hebrews does have a conception of the people of God sharing in a union that links their destinies with the head of the people, the Son Jesus Christ. The believer can have every confidence in Christ and Christ’s ability precisely because he acts as the representative of the eschatological people of God. Because Christ entered into heaven as the glorified man, we can have hope that our destiny is the same as Christ’s destiny (6:18-20). 

When we think of the places in Scripture where we find the doctrine of union with Christ, most people, especially Biblical scholars, immediately think of all the material in Paul’s letters. Paul uses the words “in Christ” numerous times point to this union, he also uses the imagery of our baptism into Christ or being the body of Christ to signify this union.  In this post, I want to suggest that the book of Hebrews also has a concept of union with Christ.

First, in the book of Hebrews we see that Christ is the new glorified exalted man who represents the people of God. This is clear in chapter two where Jesus fulfills Ps. 8 in his glorification. He is the true human crowned with glory and honor fulfilling the eschatological goal of humanity. But we also notice that His suffering death which lead to glory accomplishes a purpose for His people. So he “tastes death for everyone” (2:9), is from ‘one source’ with believers (2:11; the interpretation here is debated), and He calls believers “brothers” (2:11). In the incarnation, he becomes united to humanity (2:14) so that he can aid the “seed of Abraham” (2:16).

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