Union in Christ is not a single specific blessing we receive in our salvation. Rather it is the best phrase to describe all the blessings of salvation, whether in eternity past (election), in history (redemption), in the present (effectual calling, justification and sanctification) or in the future (glorification).

Every blessing is received in Christ (Eph 1:3,4). No aspect of our salvation can be excluded from our union with Him. Over 200 times in Paul’s letters and more than 24 times in the writings of John we see the expression “in Christ “ or “in the Lord” and “ in Him.”

Jesus’ final request in the High Priestly Prayer in John 17:26 is that “I may be in them” and Paul says “Christ in you” is the hope of glory (Col 1:27). Our identity is in Christ and the power working in us is the fruit of our union in Christ in the power of the Spirit.

Ephesians 1:3-14 is worthy of closer examination. It starts out in verses 3-4 by saying, "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.”

Notice in verse 3 that we have been blessed (past tense) in Christ. In verse 4 He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world. In verse 7 it says in Him we have redemption. Verse 11 says that in Him we have obtained an inheritance. Verse 13 notes that in Him you heard the truth, the gospel of salvation and believed in Him.

Because of our union in Christ, we have a right standing before God, because of the righteousness of Christ. We are called to be holy and blameless before Him. Out of gratitude for the grace that saved us, we desire to live lives that are Christ-like.

We are justified by faith alone, but the faith that justifies is never alone (James 2:14). We are saved by grace through faith, and we are also created in Christ Jesus for good works (Eph 2:8-10).

Brothers and sisters, you are called to not be conformed to this world but rather be transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:2). Our union with Christ in the power of the Spirit is what enables us to live godly lives that please Him. May we be motivated to do so and God be praised!