In Union with Messiah
As we take in what Paul has to say in His epistles, we find a treasure of blessings which flow out of the reality that we are in union with Christ. We, as followers of Messiah, must stop and realize that our union with Christ should not only be a knowledge that stops in the mind, but must penetrate to the inner most parts of the soul. The Lord Jesus Christ is the bedrock of our faith. All the blessings we claim to have are empty if there is not an outflow that results out of being in union with Christ.
In Ephesians 1, Paul declares that the Father has “blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.” Let us look at what the rest of the chapter tells us concerning our being in union with Christ: Note the beautiful work of the majestic, Triune God of Scripture. We see the work of God the Father, in verses 3-6. ”Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of His will, to the praise of His glorious grace, with which He has blessed us in the Beloved.”
In verses 7 through 12, we see the work of the Son: ”In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace, which He lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight making known to us the mystery of His will, according to His purpose, which He set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in Him, things in heaven and things on earth. In Him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.”
In verses 13 and 14, we see the work of the Spirit: ”In Him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in Him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of His glory.”
May the Spirit of God cause us to go deep into the treasure which we have in our wonderful Savior. Pause for a moment. Realize the great blessings the Sovereign God of Scripture has bestowed upon us according to His riches, as a result of our union with Messiah. Think of the fellowship of the saints. Think of the brothers and sisters God blesses us with in Christ Jesus. Think of the rich teaching the Lord has blessed us with as a result of us being in Christ Jesus. O’ the amazing grace and peace union with Christ brings to the saints! All that is good comes down to us from the Father of lights with whom there is no shadow of turning!
Paul goes on to say, “For this reason, because I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of Him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which He has called you, what are the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His great might that he worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come. And he put all things under His feet and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is his body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.
Let the Scriptures minister to us. The text “in the knowledge of Him” is highlighted because it stresses the importance that everything in our Christian life flows out of being in union with Messiah! We are living life presently to the degree in which we know and understand the doctrine of union with Christ. May we strive to know our precious redeemer more to the end that God may give us deeply rooted wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.
O’ the magnitude of the person and work of Christ! It stretches from eternity to eternity, who would have ever thought before the foundation of the world, we’d be here living out those good works He prepared for us to walk in! When the Father set His plan in motion, He was thinking of us then, is thinking of us now, and we’ll be with Him for eternity! Pause and bless the Lord with a doxological outburst!
“Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever.” Amen.
20 Comments, Comment or Ping
Stephen Macasil
Mario, that’s right brother! Theology that brings man down to his knees in praise for the Savior! Our wealth in Christ is second to none.
May 2nd, 2008
Will
Absolutely Amazing….. Thanks, Mario!
May 2nd, 2008
Johnny B
Great Scripture. I don’t fully understand our union with Christ. The more I study it, the more in love I become with my Saviour. That we can partake in His Divine Nature, is unfathomable to me.
May 4th, 2008
Jean Cauvin
The Eastern Orthodox church uses that verse (2nd Peter 1:4) to mean theosis. We are gods. I have not read Morey’s work on this but I would assume it is in there if he studied the subject.
The true meaning of that Johnny is awesome, the eastern cults (like Eastern Orthodoxy) way of understanding that is repulsive.
Jean Cauvin.
May 4th, 2008
Stephen Macasil
Morey provides a thorough refutation of theosis in his book. He exegetes 2 Pet. 1:4 and simply makes one that attempts to use this verse to prove the pagan concept of theosis look silly. For example, on pgs. 96-97, he shows that the plural noun rendered “partakers” is found many times in the NT. He says, “An analysis of this word reveals that you do not become what you are partaking of or whom you are partnering or sharing with” (pg. 96). In classic Morey fashion he says, “By partaking of a pork chop, you don’t become a pig.” For the full exegesis, buy the book.
The Greek word is found in several passages:
Matt. 23:30 (partaker/partner in crime)
Lk. 5:10 (“business)
1 Cor. 10:18 (“sacrifice)
2 Cor. 1:7 (“sorrow)
2 Cor. 8:23 (“ministry)
Phile. 1:7 (“ministry)
Heb. 10:33 (“persecution)
1 Pet. 5:1 (“ministry)
Theosis is a pagan sham and is no more valid than the absurd idea that man can become crime, business, sorrow, etc.
Not only is it grammatically impossible to twist this noun into proving [sic] theosis, the word rendered “nature” in “divine nature” is also found several times in the NT. The word does not mean the “inner essence” or “intrinsic being” of something, but only the “outward expression” of it (pg. 98). The word rendered “divine” is not a noun! It is an adjective that *modifies* the word “nature,” and does not have the definite article. Morey notes the importance of this on page 98 as well.
May 4th, 2008
Mario
Johnny, we are currently going through Studies in the Atonement, one of the great works on the subject of the atonement. Do you own have this book? We have gone through the study in the past and people have been strengthened in the faith by the depth of the view of exactly what the person and work accomplished from eternity to eternity.
May 4th, 2008
Johnny B
Jean, I’ve heard some weird thoughts on this, which kind of steered me clear of it. I was ministering at a place, where one of the guys (owner) was teach that Adam and Eve were gods. His clean up, was “under God” of course. I was fired, because, I disagreed with his teachings. He had more then just that that was heretical. What really blow my mind, was the guys that brought me in to this place. Backed this guy when I brought up his heretical views. Sad part it was all about money, what started out as a great ministry, turned into, get the money. The ministry was to parolees, housing, with daily Bible studies, at least four a day, during the week.
I know there’s some thing awesome there, but like all great blessings from God. There are those that pervert it. I was reading a book on the trinity, where I first encountered, the subject of deification, in the work of Christ. I know I have a lot to learn. Now that I have a better understanding of God, it seem as though, more Biblical doctrine are coming to light in my life.
Stephen, are you talking about the same book Mario is talking about or a different one?
Mario, I don’t have it yet, I’ll be picking it up tomorrow, that was the plan anyway. Are you guys going through it, on-line or at FCC?
May 5th, 2008
Stephen Macasil
Johnny asked: “Stephen, are you talking about the same book Mario is talking about or a different one?”
The book I was quoting from is called “Is Eastern Orthodoxy Christian?” by Dr. Robert Morey. This is not the same book Mario mentioned. That book (Studies in the Atonement) is probably my personal favorite. He (Mario) leads a small group with some friends, and they use that book (sorry for answering for you Mario!).
Back to the issues surrounding this Union with Christ post, some of those that hold to the “Adam and Eve were gods” heresy, will actually say that the serpent was not lying to them when he told them that if they ate of the fruit of the TKGE that they would become gods (or like God) themselves!
May 5th, 2008
Mario
As we use to say in the hood brother Steve, “good lookin out!” We are going through the book in the city of Carson. It is a great blessing. We read through it and stop for discussion along the way. This book is definitely one to be mastered! It is open to those local in the area!
May 5th, 2008
Jean Cauvin
Hello,
Dr. Morey’s book is very similar to Gordon Clark’s book on “The Atonement. It is also simiilar to John Owen’s book , “The Death of Death” (in some aspects).
The book is a good overall summary of reformed thinking. However, in there he says that we as Christians no longer possess the old man. He also relates the ordo salutis as spherical verses linear. This is very non-reformed thinking (the first point is dispensational).
He also always speaks in the 2nd person in that book. Was there a ghost on his shoulder writing with him? No, he did that via a means to show humility (he said).
There are better more in-depth works out there, however it is a good prolegomena to the subject. Sproul and Whilte’s work is a little more in-depth I found via my studies. Thus order of study for those interested (via my personal experience).
1) Studies in the Atonement (Morey)
2) The Truth of the Cross (Sproul)
3) The God who Justifies (White).
Order from most simplistic to most in-depth. But even White’s book is basic on the subject. Just a good order for study. Morey’s book is pretty good I think (especially those new to the subject).
Jean Cauvin
May 5th, 2008
Stephen Macasil
Jean, I think you may have missed the point on Morey’s ordo salutis. I also think you may have missed the point on why it is favored over (especially) the other two you’ve mentioned. But since it is your preference based on experience, your opinion is respected. Thank you.
From my experience, Morey’s book is a far more reverent and doxological exploration and explanation of Christ’s redemptive work on the Cross. The book makes unique distinctions that when understood and realized, produce a lasting effect on one’s prayers and worship, thus affecting the entire spiritual life. With properly timed pauses for meditation and inserted hymns to celebrate Christ’s work, the book is more of a fervent devotional for spiritual awakening through the explanation of the doctrine rather than an intellectually enlightening enterprise of study. New to the subject or not, the book stirs the soul and drives the Christian to worship and praise!
May 5th, 2008
Jean Cauvin
Stephen,
First off, Just for clarification, I was not putting down the work. I think the work is a good work indeed for those who are starting out on the subject. Morey makes the complex simple and as a result the depth is sort of a primer on the subject. I enjoyed it tremendously. The other two books mentioned would be a little more of depth (just a little). I don’t think it was his aim to write it in a scholarly fashion, but rather in “lay-mens” terms.
You said:
“the book is more of a fervent devotional for spiritual awakening through the explanation of the doctrine rather than an intellectually enlightening enterprise of study.”
I couldn’t disagree with you more in terms of logic. The fact that it IS an intellectual enlightening enterprise causes the spiritual growth. Mindless devotion void of intellectual enlightenment is like meditating on the color of oxygen. The spiritual growth follows the intellectual enlightenment. Devotional awakening sounds like a comment Shirley McClaine would make out on a limb.
Perhaps you don’t realize this because you haven’t read Sprouls book yet. It is the second one in the list I mentioned above. You would have seen his logo “renewing your mind” which is via Romans 12:1-2.
In Christ,
Jean Cauvin
May 5th, 2008
Stephen Macasil
Jean,
You said: “The fact that it IS an intellectual enlightening enterprise causes the spiritual growth. Mindless devotion void of intellectual enlightenment is like meditating on the color of oxygen.”
I said: “the book is more of a fervent devotional for spiritual awakening **through the explanation of the doctrine** rather than an intellectually enlightening enterprise of study.”
I may be wrong, but it seems that Scripture teaches that it is the Holy Spirit that causes spiritual growth through the explanation of doctrine which would in turn result in in fervent devotion. This would warrant the use of “spiritual awakening” to describe the “experience” if I’m interpreting Scripture correctly. I have difficulty in accepting your cause and effect argument that asserts that intellectual enlightenment is the cause and spiritual growth is the effect. I find that a hard task to justify from Scripture.
I agree with you that: “Mindless devotion void of intellectual enlightenment is like meditating on the color of oxygen…Devotional awakening sounds like a comment Shirley McClaine would make out on a limb.”
However, it is a straw man. Who said “mindless?” Who used the term “devotional awakening?”
Regarding: “He also relates the ordo salutis as spherical verses linear. This is very non-reformed thinking…”
Are you saying that any non-linear order is non-Reformed thinking?
May 6th, 2008
Jean Cauvin
Stephen,
As Calvinists, we would deem that ALL things come from God. Thus it is a given that the Holy Spirit is the instrument used for spiritual sight (via the gift of faith). Since the Holy Spirit possesses the Christian, it is a given that He leads us to intellectually understanding, and thus growth (see 1st Corinthians 2:10-16).The 2nd given is obedience to that understanding (Ephesians 5:15-18). I took for granted that I didn’t have to break down the basics so much. So that there are no more givens for you:
1) Holy Spirit allows us to see (1st Cor 2:10-16)
2) Intellecutal enligtenment gives us understanding (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
3) The result should be obedience (Ephesians 5:15-18)
4) and Thus growth (See for all Luke 8:4:21, parable of the seed).
This whole process is worship (including the intellectual enlightenment). The fiducia of growth comes via the obedience of the known shown to us via the Holy Spirit. This should be obvious. The Holy Spirit is always in us.
No where in this do we find devotion in spiritual awakening. We perhaps have a language barrier. Usually the word “devotion” in this day and age denotes very little (if any) substance. Morey would agree with me I bet (ask him).
You contrasted intellectual enterprise with devotional for spiritual awakening. My fingers didn’t copy/paste completely but with that involved it sounds even more strange. You should probably not use the word devotion because it does denote mindless thinking in this day and age (The burning strawman, thus no strawman).
I don’t find Morey’s spherical scope bad. I view it non-reformed. That doesn’t make it wrong, just historically different. Yes, I know of no reformed theologians who viewed it spherical.
Jean Cauvin.
May 6th, 2008
Stephen Macasil
Since the book is constructed in a certain way, “[w]ith properly timed pauses for meditation and inserted hymns to celebrate Christ’s work,” I appealed to my experience (as did you) that “the book is more of a fervent devotional for spiritual awakening through the explanation of the doctrine rather than an intellectually enlightening enterprise of study.”
“You contrasted intellectual enterprise with devotional for spiritual awakening.”
Jean, this is still a straw man. Perhaps I could have improved the sentence by adding the word “mere” to intellectual enterprise to denote sola assensus. That may have been more clear. We do probably just have a language barrier, but I meant it in the way Paul used it in 1 and 2 Corinthians. In no way was I separating them the way you have implied.
“I don’t find Morey’s spherical scope bad. I view it non-reformed. That doesn’t make it wrong, just historically different. Yes, I know of no reformed theologians who viewed it spherical.”
The nucleus model affirms all of the various logical orders (chronological, causal, legal, presuppositional, pedagogical, teleological, trinitarian, and harmatological) put forth by reformed theologians that predate Morey. He simply points out their reductionism and offers a solution by recognizing that Scripture teaches that Union with Christ is the essential key element. The model allows each element to be seen in relation to each other through the nucleus which is Union with Christ, something any of the linear orders couldn’t do. From a Reformed perspective, this model does the most justice to the richness and variety of biblical material concerning the relationship between various elements (which he says on pg. 126). All other methods are reductionistic.
Do you know of a book that treats “assurance” as an element of salvation? If so, is it treated as comprehensively as Morey’s Chapter 15 (with tests, etc.)? Lastly, regarding Sproul’s little book, do you accept this: “We should shrink in horror from the idea that God actually died on the cross. The atonement was made by the human nature of Christ” (p. 160)? Does this sound Nestorian to you?
May 6th, 2008
Stephen Macasil
P.S. I meant to add sola notitia to sola assensus.
May 6th, 2008
Johnny B
Stephen, he went along that same line, “what they didn’t realize, was they were already gods” then after a couple of minutes, he added, “under God that is”. We had a couple of discussion on his doctrine, while driving out to the state prison, in the Imperial Valley. I’ve been around the guy for about 15 years, through different ministries, to prisoners and kids that are wards of the state. This was the first time I was around him enough, that I heard him teach. The sad part is he really thinks he’s some spiritual giant.
Back to the union with Christ. Has anyone read Leon Morris’ book, The Apostolic Preaching of the Cross or the laymen version, The Atonement? It’s seem like a lot of writers, recommend that book.
Mario, I wish I could attend the study, but I’m about 120 miles away from Carson. My plan to get the book today, has been put off, for today
My next plan study is going to be on the atonement. I needed to get my understanding of God better, before moving on. I understand election and predestination better, by my studies on God.
May 6th, 2008
Jean Cauvin
Stephen,
You did not write “mere” thus no strawman. It is a very Calvary Chapel perspective to down play the intellect. Now that you have later qualifed it, it is a LITTLE better.
You wouldn’t happen to be EX-Calvary Chapel would you? : )
Johnny,
These people who say Adam is god, they are Mormons? The LDS church does not adhere to this as official doctrine. If it is an off shoot perhaps (see. Journal of Discourses vol. 1 pg. 50-51.). What group is this guy with and we should be able to isolate the situation.
If you were actually in this group and kicked out you should be thankful. You would have been part of a cult.
Jean Cauvin.
May 6th, 2008
Stephen Macasil
“You wouldn’t happen to be EX-Calvary Chapel would you? : )”
I’ve attended Calvary Chapel meetings many times, but wouldn’t qualify as an EX-Calvary Chapel-er. Best description would be EX-Covenant theology-16892LBC-Reformed Baptist. CC’s dispensationalism and integrated Finneyism was always a barrier for me.
May 6th, 2008
Johnny B
Mario, pick up the book today
May 7th, 2008
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