United With Jesus

In Romans 6:5-7 we read about being united with Jesus by being crucified with Him and having died with Him. This knowledge is great and glorious. This knowledge was revealed to Paul because of his godly fear. Therefore, Christianity is first and foremost a life, not just a doctrine.

When we take up our cross daily, a death takes place and we are united with Jesus. This is the resurrection life, the newness of life, which is set free from sin. Romans 6:7. This is more than the elemen­tary principles of Christ, which we are exhorted to leave behind in order to go on to perfection. Hebrews 6:1.

John says that Jesus came not only by water, but by water and blood. 1 John 5:6. Many people only want to have the cleansing by water and the forgiveness of sins, and stop with that. The forgiveness of my sin and shame does not make me more like Jesus, but being united with Him by the same death makes me pure as He is pure. 1 John 3:3.

Jesus died because He did not do His own will, but God’s will. There is no other way for His disciples. We are united with Jesus when we walk in the same Spirit in which Jesus offered up His body as a pleasing sacrifice to God. Hebrews 9:14. Jesus always had the Father before His eyes (Acts 2:25), and He only did what He had received from His Father in heaven. John 5:30. This is the hidden life that characterizes His followers.

When the knowledge of God is translated into works in our life, we are united with Jesus. There is not a single power that can prevent this from taking place. Christ becomes our life through this daily uniting. Then Colossians 3:4 will become reality: “When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.”

The reward for this short time of suffering is eternal and glorious.