The Names of Jesus - Elmer Towns

Secondly, there is a legal or federal aspect of this union. In this sense, our union with
Christ becomes the basis of our justification and adoption. It is legal or federal in the sense that
we are in our lawyer or senator while he represents us before the court or in government. Again,
although this is one aspect of our union, it also goes much deeper.
Our union is of an organic nature in which not only does the believer become a member
of the body of Christ, but Christ also becomes a part of the believer. Furthermore the Christian
life is the result of a vital union with Christ. It is Christ living in us, not merely influencing us
from without. Because the Holy Spirit is the author of this union, we call it a spiritual union.
Moreover, this union is both indissoluble and inscrutable. The believer is so bonded to
Christ that he has entered into an indissoluble relationship with Him. The omnipresence of Christ
makes this union possible. Also, because this union involves the nature of God, there is a sense
in which we can never fully understand it.
Finally, the union of the believer and Christ must be regarded as both complete and
completed. To speak of a believer partially united with Christ is as impossible as to speak of a
woman who is only partially pregnant. Although we may grow in the realization of this truth, we
are never more deeply united with Christ by any means than we are at conversion.
Communion with Christ-Our Experience on Earth
Not only are we “in Christ,” but Christ is also in us. This is the basis of our communion
with Christ, which is an experience of our sanctification. The writings of Paul sometimes use the
title “Christ” without the article. Paul does this consistently in order to signify the One who by
the Holy Spirit and also His own Person indwells the believer and molds the believer's character
into a closer conformity to Christ (Romans 8:10; Galatians 2:20; 4:19; Ephesians 3:17). The
practical application of this truth results in our abiding in Christ.
Many writers distinguish two aspects of abiding in Christ. First, it means to have no
known sin unjudged and unconfessed so as to hinder our communion or fellowship with Christ.
Secondly, it assumes that we give all burdens and concerns to Him and rely upon Him for the
strength, wisdom, faith, and character we need to meet the particular challenges of life. Not only
is His position our position (union), but His life is also our life (communion).
CONCLUSION
When the prophets of Israel and Judah spoke of the coming Messiah, their highest
thoughts of Him were those of Prophet, Priest, and King. Jesus functions today in each of those
offices in the life of the believer. But He is also far more. He is no longer merely “the Christ” but
also “Christ,” the One in whom we dwell and depend upon for the very essence of spiritual life
and the One who lives within, providing all that is necessary for effective Christian living.
For Discussion:
1. What is the literal meaning of the name Christ? Why was it Paul's favorite name for
the Saviour?