Union with Christ: What difference does it make?

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.  Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.  Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.  Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.  I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.  If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.  If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.  By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples. - John 15:1‭-‬8 ESV

Rev. Paul Park

We are changed

We are not batman. He's strong and has some training. We are superman and Spiderman. We are no longer just human. There is supernatural power.

It is like marriage

We are no longer separate but one. It is not just two persons. It is a new identity. There is some level of intimacy and intertwining between the spouses. So this is also of our union with Christ. Jesus says it is not just me and you.. It is we; it is us. It is a divine, intimate relationship. Marriage is not the ultimate relationship. It is a shadow of our union with Christ.

A way to think about our subjective experience

God is with us. The curtain in the temple delineating the holy of holies was torn upon the death of Jesus. Not just in the temple among his people, but with us. The spirit of God lives in us.

Another was to look at this is the vine and the branches. Are we plugged into the power supplied by God? Or are we shriveling and dying? It's not asking if we are reading the Bible, going to Sunday service, or praying regularly. It is asking if we are plugged in to Jesus.

Union is a lens to see. We are called to consider ourselves dead to sin. Paul is telling us that we are dead in Jesus' death. Paul prays that we would see what we have. Not that God would give believers more, but that believers would see what God has already given.

Our union in Christ is not only the goal, it is also the tool for us. It gives us encouragement and hope. It is not only our justification, but also a tool for sanctification.