Life & Union in Christ
To be a Christian is to be in Christ — joined to him as branches to the vine, hidden with him, alive in him. Apart from him we can do nothing; abiding in him, we bear much fruit. These verses draw you into the life that flows from union with Jesus.
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new.
I am the vine. You are the branches. He who remains in me, and I in him, the same bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
Remain in me, and I in you. As the branch can’t bear fruit by itself, unless it remains in the vine, so neither can you, unless you remain in me.
to whom God was pleased to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory;
He said to all, “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me.
“In this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit; and so you will be my disciples.
But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, for its lusts.
even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved),
Even as the Father has loved me, I also have loved you. Remain in my love.
and in him you are made full, who is the head of all principality and power;