responses to student posts on the bible

Reply

1. Summary of Classmate Definition of Union with Christ

My classmate quotes from Galatians 2:20 and 2 Corinthians 5:17 to highlight the indwelling nature of Christ. When one develops faith, one receives Christ within. When Christ dwells within, we experience profound spiritual union. Union with Christ is the cornerstone of salvation.

2. Supporting Biblical view

The story of Christ is one of hope, faith, and salvation, which is why there is substantial Biblical evidence for the efficacy of Union with Christ. For example, in 1 Corinthians 6:17 we read, “But whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit.” This passage corroborates my classmate’s view, as well as substantiating the other scriptural passages addressing this issue.

3. Explanation

“Whoever is united with the Lord” shows how Christ can become indwelling in any believer, regardless of the person’s race, ethnicity, gender, or any other superficial issue that human beings tend to focus on. Focusing on our differences creates separation, which is the antithesis of union with God. “Whoever is united with the Lord” means that Christ welcomes all believers to achieve salvation through faith. God’s grace will dwell within all who believe. All who believe are “united with the Lord,” and also “one with him in spirit,” absolved of sin because of God’s grace, which is experienced as union with God.

Reply 2

1. Summary of Classmate Definition of Union with Christ

Union with Christ allows for sins to be absolved.

2. Supporting Bible verse

“He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him,” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

3. Explanation

My classmate focuses on the salvific power of Christ to absolve believers of sin, citing Galatians 3:22. Indeed, this is a central message of Christ. Christ sacrificed Himself in order to save humanity. God allowed Christ to assume the sins of humanity “on our behalf,” specifically so that we can receive Grace and salvation. Grace and salvation are experienced as an indwelling of Christ: to “become the righteousness of God in Him.” We become one with Christ, as Christ is within us and we are within Christ.