Our union with Christ is like that of a perfect marriage in which there is a total merging of assets. Since this is the perfect union, however, the oneness extends far beyond what normally occurs in marriage. Everything that is ours becomes Christ’s (our sin – that’s what killed him – time, talents, possessions, relationships, etc) and everything that is his becomes ours (his perfection, endless life, abilities, achievements, honor, riches, relationships, etc).

The principle is stated in general terms in many different parts of the Bible. For example, in 1 Corinthians 3:21,23 we read, ‘All things belong to you . . . and you belong to Christ. (See also Song of Solomon 2:16; John I6:15,23; Romans 8:32; Philippians 4:13; 2 Peter 1:3.)

A true Christian has Christ (2 John 9) and this includes Christ’s:

	Knowledge – John 15:15; 16:13-15
	Riches – Philippians 4:19
	Glory – John 17:22; 2 Thessalonians 2:14
	Throne in Heaven – Ephesians 2:6; Revelation 3:2l
	Peace – John 14:27
	Kingdom – James 2:5; Revelation 22:5; 2 Timothy 2:12
	Joy – John 15:11
	Moral purity – 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Corinthians 1:30
	Miracle-working power – John 14:12,13
	Victory over Satan – Romans 16:20 (1 Corinthians 15:25)
	Spirit – Romans 8:9
	Mind – 1 Corinthians 2:16; Philippians 2:5
	Power over death – 1 Corinthians 15:55-57
	Likeness – 1 Corinthians 15:49; 1 John 3:2
	Inheritance – Romans 8:17
	Life – Galatians 2:20; 1 John 5:12
	Ministry – John 17:18 (compare John 8:12 with Matthew 5:14)
	Presence – John 14:23; Ephesians 3:17
	Relationship with God – John 17:23,26; Galatians 4:6; Hebrews 2:11
	And there’s probably more I’ve forgotten to list!

Truly, ‘in union with Christ, you have become rich in things ...’! (1 Corinthians 1:5) Your potential is limitless (Philippians 4:l3). But we can still make the mistake the older brother made and fail to enjoy what is rightfully ours. We must take the gifts that cost God so much to make available to us. We do this by believing God has given them to us and then, while nothing seems to have changed, acting as if we have received them. That might sound strange, but that’s the way God operates. Displaying faith in God’s generosity is the greatest way to thrill him.