He said to them, “I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman” (15:1). In this He spoke of the union of Christ and all of His people.That union began when they were “chosen . . . in him before the foundation of the world” (Eph. 1:4). It continued when Christ took their nature, was “made like unto his brethren” and “took on him the seed of Abraham” (Heb. 2:9-18; Rom. 8:3). Though sinless, He was united with them in the effects of sin’s curse, bearing their griefs, sorrows and sins in His sinless body (Isa. 53:5-12; John 1:29; I Peter 2:24). They were united with Christ in crucifixion, thus Paul wrote “I am crucified with Christ” (Ga. 2:20); and in His resurrection: they are “risen with Christ” (Col. 3:1; Eph. 2:1-7). Christ’s righteousness is theirs (Rom. 3:21-26; 4:1-12), and ultimately they will be glorified with Christ (Rom. 8:17-30). By means of sanctification they are now being transformed into Christ’s likeness (II Cor. 3:18).
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Pastor McKnight is the Pastor Emeritus of Reformation Bible Church in Darlington, Maryland, where he ministered for 30 years. He also serves on the executive committees of the American Council of Christian Churches and the Maryland Association of Christian Schools.
