I continue to be in awe of how God by His grace has united us with Jesus Christ in a most intimate relationship through the cross and resurrection of Christ. There is indeed still a distinction between us and Christ. He is God, and we are not! We are still humans.
Yet, God reveals in His Word that while there is distinction with Christ, there is no separation with Christ. I don't fully understand this, but I believe God's Word with all my heart, and I sense this truth continues to transform my heart.
There are so many Scriptures that attest to our intimate union and relationship with Christ. For example, in Philippians 4:13, we can realize that Christ does gives us strength, but it is much deeper than that. He doesn't give us strength for us to use to the best of our own ability separate from Him. He gives us Himself to know and to enjoy through His ability. He effectively becomes our strength.
I do not believe this is "cutting hairs" nor do I believe this is just a matter of semantics. I believe it is a matter of truth that sets us free. The enemy seeks to deceive us into believing we are not really united with Christ.
I'm still seeking to grow in learning to practically walk out these truths. My walk with Christ is still awkward, and I often trip and fall, only because I previously walked separately from Christ for so long. My old walk is familiar and, as a result, somewhat more "comfortable." My new walk is just that...new...but exciting.
Below are Scriptures that attest to our union and intimate relationship with Christ. I don't claim to understand how to most practically walk out these truths. However, there are two truths that I am most confident:
(1) These Scriptures are God's Word, and God's Word is precise, precious, and true, and
(2) I no longer walk alone separately from Christ, even when it feels that way.
Hear these Scriptures through your relationship with Christ.
CHRIST IS YOUR HOPE
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ,
by the commandment of God our Savior
and the Lord Jesus Christ our hope...
(1 Timothy 1:1)
Christ in you,
THE hope of glory.
(Colossians 1:27)
CHRIST IS YOUR LOVE
For the love of Christ compels us.
(2 Corinthians 5:14)
For the love of God
has been poured out in our hearts
by the Holy Spirit
who was given to us.
(Romans 5:5)
And the fruit of the Spirit is love...
(Galatians 5:22)
CHRIST IS YOUR JOY
Jesus prayed,
"that they might have My joy
fulfilled in them."
(John 17:13)
And the fruit of the Spirit is...
...joy.
(Galatians 5:22)
CHRIST IS YOUR PEACE
Jesus said,
"MY peace I give to you."
(John 14:27)
For He Himself
IS our peace.
(Ephesians 2:14)
But of Him you are in Christ Jesus,
WHO became for us wisdom from God.
(1 Corinthians 1:30)
CHRIST IS YOUR STRENGTH
I can do all things THROUGH Christ
WHO strengthens me.
(Philippians 4:13)
CHRIST IS YOUR WAY
Jesus said, "I am THE way..."
(John 14:6)
Jesus said, "I am the good Shepherd...
...My sheep hear My voice,
and I know them,
and they follow Me."
(John 10:11, 27)
CHRIST IS YOUR TRUTH
Jesus said, "I am...THE truth..."
(John 14:6)
Jesus said, "And you shall know the truth,
and the truth shall set you free.
And if the Son sets you free,
you shall be free indeed."
(John 8:32, 36)
CHRIST IS YOUR REST
Jesus said, "Come to Me,
all you who labor and are heavy laden,
and I will give you rest."
(Matthew 11:28)
There remains therefore a rest
for the people of God.
For he who has entered His (Christ's) rest
has himself also ceased from his work
as God did from His.
(Hebrews 4:9-10)
CHRIST IS YOUR NAMESAKE
For to you it has been granted
on behalf of Christ,
not only to believe in Him,
but to suffer for His sake.
(Philippians 1:29)
Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do
for the brethren and for strangers.
Send them forward on their journey...
...for His name's sake.
(3 John 5-7)
CHRIST IS YOUR LIFE
Jesus said, "I am...THE life..."
(John 14:6)
When Christ who is our life appears,
you also will appear with Him in glory.
(Colossians 3:4)
Jesus said, "I am (the life) of the vine,
you are the branches,
he who abides in me and I in him
bears much fruit,
for apart from Me you can do nothing.
(John 15:5)
CHRIST IS YOUR FULFILLMENT
And of His fullness
we have all received,
and grace for grace.
(John 1:16)
Amen and amen!