"From the New Testament perspective: The Salvation History of Believers' Organic Union with Christ"

 

"From the New Testament perspective: The Salvation History of Believers' Organic Union with Christ"

 

This title effectively captures the idea of examining the concept of organic union between believers and Christ through the lens of the New Testament, with a focus on how this union unfolds throughout salvation history. It suggests a comprehensive study of this theological concept, tracing its development and implications from the early church period as recorded in the New Testament to its future fulfillment.

 

Item	Content
Description	"The organic union with Christ" refers to a profound, living, and continuous life connection between believers and Christ. This connection involves the mingling and sharing of life, and is the core of God's eternal plan as well as the center of believers' life and experience.
Explanation	1. Organic: Like the relationship between branches and the vine, there is a flow of life 2. Continuous: Not a one-time event, but an ongoing life process 3. Transformative: Through this union, believers are gradually transformed into Christ's image 4. Interactive: Christ's life nourishes believers, and believers bear fruit to glorify God 5. Comprehensive: From creation, through redemption, to believers' growth and church life, finally reaching full realization in eternity
God's Actions	1. Creation: Creating man in His own image, breathing the breath of life into man 2. Redemption: Becoming flesh, dying and resurrecting, becoming the life-giving Spirit 3. Regeneration: Causing believers to be born again, partaking of the divine nature 4. Indwelling: Mutually indwelling with believers 5. Building: Establishing the church as the Body of Christ
Believers' Response	1. Receiving: Accepting God's life 2. Practicing: Walking according to the Spirit, practicing continually 3. Growing: Growing in Christ, reaching the full measure of Christ 4. Building: Building up the Body of Christ in love 5. Testifying: Manifesting God's glory
Examples	1. Vine and branches (John 15) 2. Head and body (Ephesians) 3. Bridegroom and bride (Revelation) 4. Tree of life and the city (New Jerusalem) 5. Mutual indwelling (John 14:20)
Related Scriptures	1. John 15:4-5 "Abide in Me, and I in you... I am the vine, you are the branches." 2. Romans 6:5 "For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his." 3. 1 Corinthians 6:17 "But whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit." 4. Galatians 2:20 "I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." 5. Ephesians 5:30-32 "For we are members of his body... This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church." 6. Colossians 3:3-4 "For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears..." 7. 2 Peter 1:4 "...you may participate in the divine nature." 8. Revelation 22:1-2 "...the river of the water of life... the tree of life... the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations."
Ultimate Result	1. Believers reach the full measure of Christ 2. The church becomes the full expression of Christ 3. The New Jerusalem presents the complete realization of the mingling of God and man 4. God's eternal plan is fulfilled

 

This comprehensive table covers various aspects of the concept of "organic union with Christ," including its definition, God's actions, believers' responses, biblical illustrations and related scriptures, and the ultimate results of this union. It demonstrates how this concept runs through the entire history of salvation, from creation to eternity.

 

"Please refer to the 2024 Memorial Day Conference - The Christian Life

Message Two: The Grafted Life"