The phrase “state of the union” often refers to a nation’s self-examination, but, the truest and most profound union is spiritual: Jesus in us, and us in Him. This truth, foundational to our faith, defines who we are, our purpose, and our hope. It’s more than just agreeing with a set of beliefs; it’s experiencing a new birth. We become new creations, born of God, entering His spiritual realm just as a newborn enters the human world (2 Corinthians 5:17; John 3:3-6).

Jesus spoke directly of this union: “In that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you” (John 14:20). He further urged, “Abide in Me, and I in you” (John 15:4), emphasizing a mutual indwelling that is foundational to Christian life. The apostle Paul echoed this, describing believers as temples of the Holy Spirit, indwelt by God Himself.

Do you see this?  We are indwelt by God, just as we were originally meant to be before the fall. 

It’s just stupid to discuss losing salvation that brought about this union. 

This day signifies the inauguration of the new covenant, where believers experience a profound union with Christ. This is a permanent indwelling that had never happened before. The Holy Spirit would come and go before the “New” Covenant. 

God promises to never leave us now if we but believe and trust it. 

GOD PROMISED…never… to leave us…

This union is not a merging that erases individuality, but a relationship that preserves and perfects it. Christ in me looks different than Christ in you… or Jeffery Dahmer. Jesus didn’t die for our behavior. Consider how children within the same family can exhibit a variety of behaviors and personalities.  We were never meant to be automatons or robots but individuals with human spirits that reflect all that God is. Individuals that God would love to look upon as a mother watches a newborn. 

Watch this: not just “joined at the hip” union, but union as a father’s DNA is in the child and inherits physical traits from their parents, believers inherit a new spiritual identity from God. When we are born again, we receive God’s spiritual “DNA,” becoming His children and partakers of His divine nature (2 Peter 1:4).

This transformation means that we are no longer defined by our old identity in Adam but are now new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). Our spiritual lineage has changed, and we are now part of God’s family, with His Spirit living within us (Romans 8:15-16). 

This new identity shapes our character, purpose, and destiny, reflecting the life and love of our Heavenly Father.

This union with God, through Christ, deepens our true identity rather than dissolving it. 

You can’t lose this! No more than you could lose your earthly father’s DNA. 

God is with you as you drive the semi, fly the plane, litigate the case, plant corn, or chase bad guys. He’s there in the emergency room, with you at the computer, or even at the bar. He doesn’t wait in the car when you choose “stupid”.  

You can  NOW “choose” to walk according to it or not. You can listen to His voice or the stinking thinking left over from your dead sinful self that died on the cross with Christ. (Galatians 2:20). Either Christ did something “to” and “for” you or not. 

You have Christ’s nature, not two natures. Your old nature died—that’s what was crucified! You were dead and then raised to newness of life in Him, becoming a new creation joined with the living God ([2 Corinthians 5:17), though some old patterns of thinking still linger in your mind. This new nature will war against this mindset (flesh/ Greek- sarx), but it’s not your second nature. 

The union is perfect, righteous, and holy. You are a child of God, blameless through faith in the finished work of Christ. Your “standing” will never change, and the “state” of this union is that you are still physical and through the work of the Holy Spirit, you will live and grow as a babe in Christ. Your mind will be continually renewed conforming you to the image of Christ. 

Please don’t get caught up in the teaching of “progressive sanctification”. We have been sanctified, set apart, holy and righteous as Christ. (1 Corinthians 6:11, Hebrews10:10- won’t hear that in church). 

Watch this:  our behavior and thinking are progressively being renewed and conformed to the image of Christ. 

You can act like a damn fool with Christ living in you, but you won’t want to. 

Christ “in” us our only hope of glory!

“To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” This passage emphasizes that Christ living in us is our hope of experiencing and sharing in God’s glory.

This hope is not just a distant future expectation but a present reality because of our union with Christ. We are already partakers of His glory, and this will be fully realized when we are with Him eternally (Romans 8:30). The presence of Christ in us assures us of our complete reconciliation with God and the certainty of our future glorification (2 Corinthians 3:18).

Therefore, the “hope of glory” is both a present assurance and a future promise, rooted in the finished work of Christ and His indwelling presence in believers.

• Unity: The indwelling of Christ creates unity among believers, making them one body (True church, not the denominational mess some call church).  When the Father looks at us, He sees a son and daughter fostering a spiritual solidarity that transcends differences.

• Transformation: This union is transformative. As Christ lives in us, we are empowered to think, speak, and act in ways that reflect His character, moving through stages of learning and renewing of the mind. 

• Purpose: Christians are “salt and light,” representing Christ in the world. As we are transformed, the world is transformed because we are Christ in the world!

The union of Jesus in us and us in Him is the defining reality of the Christian life. It is a relationship marked by intimacy, transformation, and hope-a spiritual state of the union that endures beyond all earthly circumstances and empowers us to live as true citizens of heaven.

This union is not based on our efforts but on His grace and love for us. As we grow in understanding His love, our natural response is to love Him in return, experiencing the fullness of life He offers (1 John 4:19; John 10:10).

“If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our abode with him.” (John :14:23) 

This love for Jesus is expressed through a relationship of trust and reliance on Him. When we love Jesus, it naturally leads to a desire to embrace His teachings and live in the reality of His presence within us. This love is not about striving to earn God’s favor but about responding to the love He has already shown us (1 John 4:19). Our love for Him is a reflection of the new heart and spirit He has given us, and it is empowered by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us (Romans 5:5; Galatians 5:22-23).

There is no greater love.

This union is the entire message of the Gospel of Jesus Christ unto salvation. 

It’s our ONLY hope of glory. 

6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

SINNER’S PULPIt

Come in a sinner, leave a saint.