The nature of the union of Jesus Christ with believers is explained using a number of central images. The NT stresses the reality, closeness and considerable benefits of this union.

Isaiah 54:5-8

A covenantal relationship

OT background

See also

Jeremiah 3:14; 31:32

The marriage covenant is used to illustrate the intimacy of the relationship between God and his people.

Hosea 2:7,16
Ephesians 5:31-32

In the NT

John 1:14

A relationship deepened through the incarnation

See also

Romans 8:3
2 Corinthians 5:21
Galatians 4:4
Philippians 2:7-8
1 Timothy 3:16
Hebrews 2:14-18
John 3:16

A relationship personally entered through faith

See also

John 1:12; 2:11; 7:38
Acts 16:31
Romans 3:22; 8:1; 10:9-10
2 Corinthians 5:17
Galatians 2:16
Romans 6:3-5

A relationship enriched through the sacraments

Galatians 3:27

Baptism

See also

Matthew 28:19
Romans 6:8
Colossians 2:11-12
Matthew 26:26-28

The Lord's Supper

1 Corinthians 10:16; 11:23-29

pp Mk 14:22-24

pp Lk 22:17-20

1 Corinthians 6:17

A relationship that affects every aspect of life

See also

John 15:1-8; 17:20-26
Romans 8:9-11
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
Galatians 2:20
Colossians 1:27

It is a mysterious relationship

See also

Ephesians 5:32

See also

2369 Christ, responses to
3010 God, the Holy Spirit
4018 life, spiritual
6218 provoking God
6676 justification
7115 children of God
7155 saints
7903 baptism
7933 Lord's Supper
8102 abiding in Christ
8206 Christlikeness
8258 fruitfulness, spiritual