The Holy Spirit's Role in Adoption: Calling God Our Father
Months ago, we embarked on a journey to explore the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We discovered that the Holy Spirit is God in spirit form, an integral part of the triune nature of God. As we delved into the workings of the Holy Spirit, we explored how he brings about transformation in our lives, particularly in the process of conversion, repentance, and the development of saving faith. Today, we will focus on the unifying aspect of the Holy Spirit, as He connects us with Christ.
Understanding this union with Christ is crucial for Christians, as it addresses a common struggle we face in comprehending how our daily relationship with Jesus actually works. Attending church, praying, and reading the Bible are activities we are familiar with, but grasping the significance of living with Jesus and His impact on our lives can be challenging. So, let’s shed some light on this topic.
The New Testament contains passages that speak of our union with Christ differently. It tells us that we are united with Christ in life, death, and resurrection. Initially, this might seem perplexing, but let’s break it down.
Firstly, through the Holy Spirit, our lives are united with Christ. In John 15:5, Jesus Himself declares, “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing.” This unity with Jesus is not only essential but also the key to our spiritual impact. Without being connected to Him, we are ineffective and bear no fruit.
Secondly, the Holy Spirit unites us with Christ in His death. In 2 Corinthians 5:14, we learn that through Christ’s death, we are also united with him, and our sins are paid for. Though we are physically present in this world, the Holy Spirit testifies that our spiritual death has been reconciled through Jesus’ sacrifice. His death becomes the atonement for our sins, liberating us from the penalty we deserve.
Lastly, Colossians 3:1 reveals that we are united with Christ in His resurrection. Just as Jesus is the first fruit of resurrection, his victory over death assures us of our future resurrection. The Bible promises that even in physical death, we will live again. Jesus spoke these words to his friends, Mary and Martha, bringing hope and assurance of eternal life.
Understanding our union with Christ is meant to impact every area of our lives.
Memory Verse
Reflecting on Romans 8:21
This verse highlights how Christ’s death served as the sacrificial payment for our sins, freeing us from the need to pay for them with our own death. It emphasizes that we have been united with Him in His death, enabling us to experience the newness of life. This concept of being “born again” is made possible through Jesus’ resurrection. By His resurrection, Jesus offers us the assurance of eternal life and transformation.
Reflecting on the phrase “United with Christ,” remember these three key aspects: united in his life, united in his death, and united in his resurrection. These truths should shape our perspective and inform our actions.
Now, let’s ponder a crucial question together:
A Challenge
What’s happened today is past; you can’t go back and undo it. But if the Holy Spirit unites you with Jesus, how will you let Jesus live through you tomorrow? Jesus makes decisions for you tomorrow. Jesus controls how things happen to you tomorrow. How will you allow Jesus to live tomorrow because you have died and turned it all over to Jesus?
