The concept of "Christ as Our Life" is a profound theological truth found throughout the New Testament, emphasizing the believer's union with Jesus Christ and the transformative power of His indwelling presence. This doctrine underscores the centrality of Christ in the believer's spiritual existence, identity, and daily walk.

Biblical Foundation

The Apostle Paul articulates this truth most explicitly in his epistles. In Colossians 3:4, Paul writes, "When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory" . This verse highlights the believer's future hope and present reality, affirming that Christ is not merely an external figure but the very essence of the believer's life.

In Galatians 2:20, Paul further elaborates, "I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me" . Here, the apostle describes the mystical union with Christ, where the believer's old self is crucified, and the new life is characterized by Christ's indwelling presence.

Union with Christ

The doctrine of union with Christ is central to understanding "Christ as Our Life." This union is both legal and vital. Legally, believers are justified and declared righteous through their identification with Christ's death and resurrection (Romans 6:5-11). Vitally, this union means that believers partake in the life of Christ, as He dwells within them through the Holy Spirit (John 14:20; Romans 8:10).

Transformation and Sanctification

The indwelling life of Christ is the source of the believer's transformation and sanctification. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul declares, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come" . This new creation is the result of Christ's life manifesting in and through the believer, producing the fruit of the Spirit and conforming them to His image (Galatians 5:22-23; Romans 8:29).

Christ as the Source of Strength

Christ as our life also implies that He is the source of the believer's strength and sufficiency. In Philippians 4:13, Paul confidently states, "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength" . This verse reflects the believer's reliance on Christ's power to live a victorious Christian life, overcoming sin and fulfilling God's purposes.

Eternal Perspective

The believer's life in Christ is not limited to the present but extends into eternity. In John 11:25-26, Jesus declares, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even though he dies. And everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die" . This promise assures believers of eternal life, rooted in their union with Christ, who is the source of both temporal and eternal life.

Practical Implications

Understanding Christ as our life has profound practical implications for daily living. It calls believers to a life of dependence on Christ, seeking His guidance, strength, and wisdom in all things. It encourages a life of holiness, as believers are called to live out the reality of their new identity in Christ (Ephesians 4:22-24). Moreover, it fosters a deep sense of security and hope, knowing that their life is hidden with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3).

In summary, the doctrine of "Christ as Our Life" is a central tenet of the Christian faith, emphasizing the believer's union with Christ, the transformative power of His indwelling presence, and the eternal hope found in Him. Through this union, believers are empowered to live a life that reflects the character and purposes of Christ, both now and for eternity.