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United with Christ

Christ is not merely the beginning of the Christian life. He is its foundation, power, purpose, and eternal hope.

The Christian life is more than believing facts about Jesus or trying to follow His example. Through faith, we are joined to Him.

“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” —2 Corinthians 5:17

To be in Christ means that His death provides our forgiveness, His righteousness becomes our standing before God, His resurrection gives us new life, and His future becomes our future.

United with Christ Through Faith

We are united with Christ not through good works, but through faith.

“By grace you have been saved through faith.” —Ephesians 2:8

Faith means turning from self-reliance and trusting completely in Jesus—His life, death, and resurrection. Our acceptance before God rests on Christ, not on how well we performed today.

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” —Romans 8:1

When you succeed, your hope is Christ. When you fail and return in repentance, your hope is still Christ.

Dead to Sin, Alive to God

Because we are united with Christ, we have died with Him.

“Our old self was crucified with him…so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.” —Romans 6:6

Sin may still tempt us, but it is no longer our master. We do not resist sin to earn Christ’s acceptance. We resist because we already belong to Him.

“Consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.” —Romans 6:11

When temptation comes, remember: This sin does not own me. I belong to Christ.

We have also been raised with Christ.

“Just as Christ was raised from the dead…we too might walk in newness of life.” —Romans 6:4

The Christian life is not merely self-improvement. The risen Christ lives in us through the Holy Spirit. Growth may be gradual, but genuine change is possible.

“It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” —Galatians 2:20

Secure in Christ

Our identity is not determined by success, failure, appearance, suffering, or the approval of others.

In Christ, we are forgiven, accepted, adopted, and loved.

“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses.” —Ephesians 1:7

Your past may affect you, but it does not define you. Other people may label you, but they do not have the final word. God does.

“Your life is hidden with Christ in God.” —Colossians 3:3

Depending on Christ

We do not outgrow our need for Christ. We grow by depending more deeply upon Him.

Jesus said:

“Abide in me, and I in you.” —John 15:4

A branch bears fruit by remaining connected to the vine. In the same way, we grow through Scripture, prayer, confession, obedience, worship, and fellowship.

“Apart from me you can do nothing.” —John 15:5

These practices do not earn Christ’s love. They help us live in the love we have already received.

What We Have Learned

What We Are Called to Do