As He is, so are we in this world. -1 John 4:17
The Word of God, our Lord Jesus Christ, who did, through His transcendent love, become what we are, that He might bring us to be even what He is Himself. - Irenaeus
I have officiated dozens of weddings over the years, and one of my favorite moments in the ceremony is the lighting of the unity candle. The bride and groom each take their candles and use them to light a central candle together. Afterward, they blow out their individual candles, leaving only the central flame burning. It is a powerful symbol of oneness—a picture of two lives becoming one in commitment, love, and purpose.
This is exactly what happens in our union with Christ. When we’re in Him, we’re no longer separate from Him. We’re not merely trying to imitate Him, nor are we attempting to earn His presence. We’re in Him, and He is in us.
Understanding Union: More Than a Concept, It’s Reality
Over the years, I have seen how difficult it is for people to grasp the depth of their union with Christ. Many live as though their relationship with God is based on performance, striving to get closer to Him, when in reality, they’re already one with Him. This truth changes everything—how we pray, how we see ourselves, and how we live in daily communion with Him.
Our union with Christ isn’t something we work toward—it’s something we already possess. Paul describes this beautifully when he writes:
“For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we’re members of His body.” (Ephesians 5:29-30 ESV)
We’re not separate from Christ, hoping to one day be united with Him. We’re already members of His body. Just as a husband and wife become one in marriage, we have become one with Him. This isn’t a symbolic connection; it’s a deep, spiritual reality.
The Bible Is All About Jesus, and Jesus Is All About You
From the beginning, the Bible reveals God’s plan to bring humanity into union with Himself. The Old Testament foreshadows Christ, and the New Testament unveils the fulfillment of God’s desire for oneness with His people. Jesus did not come just to be an example—He came to fully unite us with Himself.
The incarnation wasn’t an isolated event but an eternal statement of God’s love for humanity. Jesus didn’t remain distant; He stepped into human flesh to bring us into Divine life. Because of Him, we no longer have to search for God as if He is far away—He is closer than our breath.
Your Life Is Hidden in Christ
Paul reminds us:
“For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:3 ESV)
The moment we recognize our union with Christ, we stop trying to live for Him and start living from Him. His life is now our life. His righteousness is our righteousness. His relationship with the Father is our relationship with the Father.
This truth eliminates the exhausting effort to be “good enough.” We no longer strive for approval because we already have it. We’re not working to be accepted—we’re living from acceptance.
Jesus Isn’t Just Your Example—He Is Your Identity
Many of us view Jesus as a model to imitate, believing we must copy His actions to prove our faith. But Jesus didn’t come to show us how to live apart from Him—He came to live in us.
As early church father Irenaeus wrote:
“The Word of God, our Lord Jesus Christ, who did, through His transcendent love, become what we are, that He might bring us to be even what He is Himself.”
Jesus didn’t stand at a distance, waiting for us to figure out holiness on our own. He became one with us so that we might live fully in Him. This isn’t an abstract theological idea—it’s the foundation of our identity.
What Is True of Jesus Is True of You
John makes a profound statement:
“As He is, so are we in this world.” (1 John 4:17 ESV)
Consider that for a moment. As Jesus is—right now—so are we. Not just in the future, but today. His victory is our victory. His life is our life. His relationship with the Father is our relationship with the Father.
This truth reshapes how we approach life. No longer do we beg God for what He has already given. No longer do we struggle for righteousness that has already been provided. We live in the fullness of Christ because we’re one with Him.
Living From Union Instead of Striving for It
A common misconception in Christianity is that we must do something to get closer to God. But how can you get closer to someone who already lives inside you?
Jesus prayed:
“In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in Me, and I in you.” (John 14:20 ESV)
We’re not trying to attain union with Christ. We’re living from it. This shift from striving to resting changes everything. Instead of chasing spiritual closeness, we simply abide in the reality of our oneness with Him.
Stop Trying to Earn What Is Already Yours
Many people live as if their relationship with God depends on them—their prayers, their devotion, and their ability to do everything right. But Jesus never placed that burden on us. He invited us to abide:
“Abide in Me, and I in you.” (John 15:4 ESV)
To abide means to remain, to rest, to dwell. You don’t have to beg for God’s presence—He already dwells in you. You don’t have to work to be in union with Christ—you already are.
Your Union Is Secure—Now Enjoy It
Understanding your union with Christ frees you from fear, striving, and doubt. You no longer live as if God is far away. You don’t question whether you are worthy. You don’t have to struggle to stay close to Him.
You are in Him, and He is in you.
When He died, you died.
When He rose, you rose.
When He ascended, you ascended.
This isn’t metaphorical; it’s the reality of our faith.
The Invitation: Live in the Fullness of Christ
The only thing left to do is accept what has already been given. Stop striving, stop doubting, and rest in the truth of your union with Christ.
So the next time you feel distant from God, remind yourself:
I am one with Him.
His life is my life.
His love is my love.
His peace is my peace.
You aren’t separate. You aren’t alone. You are fully embraced in the perfect love of Christ.
Want to know more? See D. Scott Cook’s book Alignment Of Authentic Love: Living Your Highest Life.