1 Corinthians 6:17 (ESV) – But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him.

Believe and behave. These are the two words that best describe how I understood Christianity as a kid. Believe the right doctrines and truth claims. Behave in the right ways and stay out of trouble. What you believe matters. How you behave also matters. But these two things are not the main message of Christianity. They have parts to play, but they are not the central story. 

Our passage today points us to the central story. Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth is important. These believers dealt with many early struggles. The city was a port city saturated with debauchery and lawlessness. The early Christians turned from barbaric practices and beliefs. But still dealt with the lingering effects of the flesh and normalcy of sin around them. But Paul still highlighted the main focus with them. We read Paul’s letter in 1 Corinthians 6:17, “But he who is joined to the Lord becomes one spirit with him.”

The phrase Paul uses in this text is “joined to the Lord.” What does that mean? Theologians call this “union with Christ.” Paul loved to discuss this idea in his writings. He referred more to being “in Christ” than any other description of salvation. To be “in Christ” or “joined to the Lord” refers to the reality that Christ, not Adam, is now our head. Christ’s life is in us. We are in Him. His righteousness covers us. Our sins are no longer defining us. We are new creatures in Christ. This union with Christ changes our legal standing before God. We’re not only innocent, but we are His children. We’re not just acceptable, but we’re friends. 

Are you “in Christ”? Have you been “joined to the Lord” yet? This is what salvation is all about.

If we are united with Christ, then we can have fellowship with Him. Christ is with you always. All the resources you need for life and godliness are found in Him.

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The power that raised Him from the dead resides in you by the Holy Spirit. Pray with expectation. Trust Him through your pains. Cling to His promises. You are one spirit with Him.

Reflection & Journal:
- Why is it important to distinguish between being “in Christ” or “joined to the Lord” as opposed to “believing in Jesus”?
- What does union with Christ mean?
- How does union with Christ help better communicate what Christianity believes? How would you share the gospel through the lenses of “union with Christ”?

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