A pastor friend of mine sent out an email to a few friends last week asking for recommended resources on the doctrine of our union with Christ. I’ve done some reading and studying on the subject in the past, so I pulled together a bibliography of articles, books, etc.
I haven’t read everything on my list, but of the ones I’ve read, here are some of my top picks:
- Michael P. V. Barrett, “Union with Christ: The Security of the Gospel,” in Complete in Him: A Guide to Understanding and Enjoying the Gospel (Greenville, SC: Ambassador-Emerald, 2000), 93–118. [Amazon]
- Bruce A. Demarest, “The Doctrine of Union with Christ,” in The Cross and Salvation: The Doctrine of Salvation, Foundations of Evangelical Theology, ed. John S. Feinberg (Wheaton: Crossway, 1997), 313–44. [Amazon | Google Books | Logos]
- Wayne A. Grudem, “Union with Christ,” in Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2004), 840–50. [Amazon | Google Books | Logos]
- Michael Horton, “Union with Christ,” in Christ the Lord: The Reformation and Lordship Salvation, ed. Michael Horton (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1992), 107–15. [Amazon]
- D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, “Union with Christ,” in God the Holy Spirit, vol 2. of Great Doctrines of the Bible (Wheaton: Crossway, 1997), 106–16. [Amazon | Logos]
- John Murray, “Union with Christ,” in Redemption Accomplished and Applied (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1955), 161–73. [Amazon | Google Books]
- Robert L. Reymond, “Union with Christ,” in A New Systematic Theology of the Christian Faith, 2nd ed. (Nashville: Nelson, 1998), 736–39. [Amazon | Logos]
Go have a look at the new page, and feel free to add recommendations of resources that you’ve found helpful in the comments either on this post or on that page.
See also my review of Demarest’s The Cross and Salvation. I wrote it in seminary several years ago, but it may still be of some benefit. :)
James Grant says
A really helpful list Phil. One book I would mention that you will love is Hugh Martin’s book The Atonement. It has a section on union with Christ and is one of the most perceptive and stimulating reads on union with Christ I have ever come across.
Phil Gons says
Thanks, James. I don’t think I’m familiar with Martin’s book, but I’ll check it out. Thanks for the tip!
Dan Cruver says
Thanks, Phil! Great list!
Here are two more:
Walter Marshall’s book “The Gospel Mystery of Sanctification” discusses the relationship between union with Christ and progressive sanctification. It’s really an amazing book.
Chapter 2 in “Holiness by Grace” by Bryan Chapell. His treatment of the relevance of our union with Christ to daily Christian living is the best I’ve ever read.
Phil Gons says
Thanks, Dan. Marshall should be on the list. I’ll check into adding Chapell. Thanks for the tip!