Union with Christ: The Spiritual Bond of God's Chosen People

In our ongoing journey through the timeless truths of the Westminster Larger Catechism, we continue to uncover the depths of biblical doctrine that strengthen our walk with the Lord. Just last month, in our devotional on Question 62, we explored the visible church as a timeless society of faith—a global community of professing believers and their children, united across ages and places in their commitment to the true gospel. That reflection reminded us of the outward expression of God's people, where professions of faith are made, ordinances observed, and lives intertwined in covenant community. Building on that foundation, today we turn to Question 66, which delves into the profound spiritual reality that undergirds the life of every true believer: our union with Christ. This union is not merely an abstract idea but the very essence of what it means to be part of God's elect, transforming how we live, worship, and hope. The Catechism asks:

What is that union which the elect have with Christ?

The union which the elect have with Christ is the work of God’s grace, whereby they are spiritually and mystically, yet really and inseparably, joined to Christ as their head and husband; which is done in their effectual calling.

As Baptists who hold dearly to the Scripture as our ultimate authority, we see this catechism question as a beautiful exposition of sovereign grace at work. It points us to the intimate connection believers share with Jesus, a bond that echoes through the visible church but originates in the invisible work of the Holy Spirit. Let's unpack this together, drawing from God's Word to see how this union shapes our daily devotion and eternal assurance.

The Work of God's Grace: A Divine Initiative

At the heart of Question 66 is this profound truth: "The union which the elect have with Christ is the work of God’s grace." From the outset, the catechism reminds us that this union is not something we achieve through our efforts, merits, or decisions. It is entirely the outworking of God's unmerited favor. The elect, those whom God has chosen from before the foundation of the world, are drawn into this relationship solely by His gracious hand.

Consider Ephesians 2:8-10, where Paul declares, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works." Here, we see that our union with Christ is part of God's creative act, reshaping us as His masterpiece. In the context of the visible church we discussed previously, this grace is proclaimed through preaching, baptism, and fellowship, but it is effectually applied only to those God calls. As Baptists, we emphasize that this grace leads to a personal, regenerate faith, evidenced in a believer's baptism, a public testimony of the inward union already wrought by the Spirit.

This divine initiative frees us from the burden of self-reliance. In a world that prizes achievement, we're invited to rest in the assurance that our connection to Christ is secure because it stems from God's eternal decree. It's a comfort for weary souls: if God has begun this work, He will complete it (Philippians 1:6).

Spiritual and Mystical, Yet Real and Inseparable

The catechism beautifully describes this union as "spiritually and mystically, yet really and inseparably" joining us to Christ. These words capture the profound mystery of our relationship with the Savior. It's spiritual because it involves the Holy Spirit uniting our souls to Christ, as Romans 8:9 affirms: "You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you." Mystical speaks to the depth beyond human comprehension, like the vine and branches in John 15:5, where Jesus says, "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit."

Yet, this is no mere illusion; it's real. We are truly incorporated into Christ, sharing in His life, death, and resurrection. Galatians 2:20 encapsulates this: "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me." And inseparable? Praise God for that promise! Romans 8:38-39 assures us that nothing, neither death nor life, angels nor rulers, things present nor things to come, can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Tying back to our previous devotional, the visible church serves as the earthly stage where this invisible union is nurtured and displayed. In gatherings of professing believers, we encourage one another to abide in this bond through teaching that points to Christ and ordinances that symbolize our unity with Him. For families, as we noted in Question 62, children are raised under this covenant hope, prayed over and discipled, that they too might experience this real, inseparable union through personal faith.

Joined to Christ as Head and Husband

The catechism further enriches our understanding by portraying Christ as our "head and husband." As Head, He leads, nourishes, and governs us, much like the body relies on its head. Ephesians 5:23 states, "For the husband is the head of the wife even as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Savior." This headship implies authority and provision: Christ directs our paths, supplies our needs, and protects us from harm.

As Husband, the imagery shifts to intimate love and covenant faithfulness. Isaiah 54:5 declares, "For your Maker is your husband, the Lord of hosts is his name." This marital union speaks of Christ's tender affection, His jealousy for our devotion, and His commitment to present us holy and blameless (Ephesians 5:25-27). In the visible church, this is mirrored in our corporate worship, where we, as the bride, respond to our Bridegroom with adoration and obedience.

From a Baptist viewpoint, this dual role of Christ underscores the importance of church polity rooted in elder-led congregationalism, where each local body submits to Christ's headship through Scripture under the direction of the elders, while cherishing the covenantal bonds that reflect marital fidelity. It challenges us to live in purity, avoiding idolatry and pursuing holiness as befits His bride.

Accomplished in Effectual Calling

Finally, the catechism locates this union "in their effectual calling." This is the moment when God's grace breaks through, drawing the elect to Christ. It's effectual, meaning it accomplishes its purpose, unlike a general call that may be resisted. 2 Timothy 1:9 tells us God "saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began."

Effectual calling involves illumination of the mind, conviction of sin, renewal of the will, and faith in Christ. It's the Spirit's work, regenerating the heart (Ezekiel 36:26-27) and enabling us to respond. In the visible church, this calling often unfolds through hearing the gospel preached, witnessing baptisms, or experiencing life together. As we reflected in our last post, the church's universality means this calling echoes across nations, drawing diverse people into one body.

For us today, this truth inspires evangelism and discipleship. We proclaim the gospel, trusting God to call effectually, and we disciple new believers, helping them grow in this union.

Living Out Our Union with Christ

As we conclude this devotional, let's apply these truths to our lives. Our union with Christ calls us to abide daily in Him through prayer, Scripture meditation, and obedience. It assures us in trials: since we are inseparably joined to the risen Lord, no suffering can ultimately defeat us. In our families and church, it motivates us to foster environments where God's calling can flourish, teaching children the gospel, supporting missions, and pursuing unity.

If you are in Christ, rejoice in this grace-wrought bond. If not, heed the call today: repent and believe, entering this mystical yet real union. May this reflection on Question 66 deepen our devotion, just as our exploration of the visible church reminded us of our shared profession. Together, let's press on, glorifying our Head and Husband until we see Him face to face.

Soli Deo Gloria