Union with Christ

Union with Christ is the central truth of the whole doctrine of salvation.

—John Murray

[Union with Christ] is the cause of all other graces that we are made partakers of; they are all communicated unto us by virtue of our union with Christ. Hence is our adoption, our justification, our sanctification, our fruitfulness, our perseverance, our resurrection, our glory.

—John Owen

This is a collection of resources I’ve come across on the doctrine of the believer’s union with Christ (also referred to as identification with Christ, mystical union, or unio mystica). It’s far from exhaustive, so please do let me know in the comments if I’m missing anything you’ve found helpful.

It’s organized in 11 sections:

1. Top Picks
2. New and Forthcoming
3. Dictionary and Encyclopedia Articles
4. Chapters or Sections in Systematic Theologies
5. Chapters or Sections in Biblical Theologies
6. Chapters or Sections in Other Books
7. Books
8. Journal and Magazine Articles
9. Conference Papers
10. Dissertations and Theses
11. Audio and Video

1. Top Picks

I haven’t read all of these sources, but of the ones I’ve read, here are some of my top picks:

1. Barrett, Michael P. V. “Union with Christ: The Security of the Gospel.” In Complete in Him: A Guide to Understanding and Enjoying the Gospel, 93–118. Greenville, SC: Ambassador–Emerald, 2000. [Amazon | Logos]
2. Billings, J. Todd. Union with Christ: Reframing Theology and Ministry for the Church. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2011. 192 pp. [Amazon]
3. Campbell, Constantine R. Paul and Union with Christ: An Exegetical and Theological Study. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2012. [Amazon]
4. Demarest, Bruce A. “The Doctrine of Union with Christ.” In The Cross and Salvation: The Doctrine of Salvation.1 Foundations of Evangelical Theology, ed. John S. Feinberg, 313–44. Wheaton: Crossway, 1997. [Amazon | Google Books | Logos]
5. Grudem, Wayne A. “Union with Christ.” In Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine, 840–50. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2004. [Amazon | Google Books | Logos]
6. Horton, Michael. “Union with Christ.” In Christ the Lord: The Reformation and Lordship Salvation, ed. Michael Horton, 107–15. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1992. [Amazon]
7. Horton, Michael. “Union with Christ.” Chapter 18 in The Christian Faith: A Systematic Theology for Pilgrims on the Way, 587–619. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2011. [Amazon | Logos]
8. Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn. “Union with Christ.” In God the Holy Spirit. Vol. 2 of Great Doctrines of the Bible, 106–16. Wheaton: Crossway, 1997. [Amazon | Logos]
9. Murray, John. “Union with Christ.” Chapter 9 of Redemption Accomplished and Applied, 161–73. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1955. [Amazon | Google Books | WTS Books]
10. Reymond, Robert L. “Union with Christ.” In A New Systematic Theology of the Christian Faith, 2nd ed., 736–39. Nashville: Nelson, 1998. [Amazon | Logos]

2. New and Forthcoming

1. Macaskill, Grant. Union with Christ in the New Testament. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2014. 368 pp. [Amazon]
2. Fitzpatrick, Elyse M. Found in Him: The Joy of the Incarnation and Our Union with Christ. Wheaton: Crossway, 2013. 240 pp. [Amazon]
3. Johnson, Marcus Peter. One with Christ: An Evangelical Theology of Salvation. Wheaton: Crossway, 2013. 256 pp. [Amazon]
4. Campbell, Constantine R. Paul and Union with Christ: An Exegetical and Theological Study. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2012. [Amazon]
5. Fesko, J. V. “John Owen on Union with Christ and Justification.” Themelios 37, no. 1 (April 2012): 7–19.
6. Horton, Michael S. Union with Christ. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2004. 47 pp. [Amazon]
7. Billings, J. Todd. Union with Christ: Reframing Theology and Ministry for the Church. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2011. 192 pp. [Amazon]
8. Gifford, James D. Perichoretic Salvation: The Believers Union with Christ as a Third Type of Perichoresis. Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock, 2011. 232 pp. [Amazon]
9. Letham, Robert. Union with Christ: In Scripture, History, and Theology. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R, 2011. 208 pp. [Amazon]
10. Thomas, Derek W. H. “Union with Christ—Forever.” Chapter 11 of How the Gospel Brings Us All the Way Home, 129–40. Lake Mary, FL: Reformation Trust Publishing, 2011. [Amazon | Logos]

3. Dictionary and Encyclopedia Articles

1. Achtemeier, P. Mark. “Union with Christ (Mystical Union).” Encyclopedia of the Reformed Faith, ed. Donald K. McKim and David F. Wright, 379–80. Louisville, KY; WJK, 1992. [Amazon]
2. Baker, J. P. “Union with Christ.” New Dictionary of Theology, ed. Sinclair B. Ferguson, David F. Wright, and J. I. Packer, 697–99. Downers Grove: IVP, 1988. [Amazon | Logos]
3. Cairns, Alan. “Mystical Union.” Dictionary of Theological Terms, rev. and enlarged ed., 293. Greenville, SC: Ambassador–Emerald, 2002. [Amazon | Logos]
4. Dinzelbacher, Peter. “Mystical Union.” The Encyclopedia of Christianity, ed. Erwin Fahlbusch, Han Milič Lochman, John Mbiti, Jaroslav Pelikan, and Lukas Vischer, trans. Geoffrey William Bromiley, 3:670–72. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2003. [Amazon | Logos]
5. Gaffin, Richard B. “Union with Christ.” The Zondervan Encyclopedia of the Bible, rev., full-color ed., ed. Merril C. Tenney and Moises Silva, 5:965–67. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2009. [Amazon | Logos]
6. Holloman, Henry W. “Union with Christ.” Kregel Dictionary of the Bible and Theology: Over 500 Key Theological Words and Concepts Defined and Cross-Referenced, 560–61. Grand Rapids: Kregel, 2005. [Amazon]
7. Martin, D. D. “Unio Mystica.” Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, 2nd ed., ed. Walter A. Elwell, 1,231. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2001. [Amazon | Logos]
8. Meye, Robert P. “Union with Christ.” In “Spirituality.” Dictionary of Paul and His Letters, ed. Gerald F. Hawthorne, Ralph P. Martin, and Daniel G. Reid, 433–36. Downers Grove: IVP, 1993. [Amazon | Logos]
9. O’Brien, Peter T. “Being ‘in Christ.’” In “Mysticism.” Dictionary of Paul and His Letters, ed. Gerald F. Hawthorne, Ralph P. Martin, and Daniel G. Reid, 624. Downers Grove: IVP, 1993. [Amazon | Logos]
10. Rightmire, R. David. “Union with Christ.” Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology, ed. Walter A. Elwell, n.p. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1996. [Amazon | Logos]
11. Seifrid, Mark A. “In Christ.” Dictionary of Paul and His Letters, ed. Gerald F. Hawthorne, Ralph P. Martin, and Daniel G. Reid, 908–09. Downers Grove: IVP, 1993. [Amazon | Logos]
12. Walvoord, J. F. “Identification with Christ.” Evangelical Dictionary of Theology, 2nd ed., ed. Walter A. Elwell, 588. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2001. [Amazon | Logos]
13. Witherington, Ben, III. “The En Christō Formula.” In “Christ.” Dictionary of Paul and His Letters, ed. Gerald F. Hawthorne, Ralph P. Martin, and Daniel G. Reid, 98–99. Downers Grove: IVP, 1993. [Amazon | Logos]

4. Chapters or Sections in Systematic Theologies

1. Beeke, Joel R., and Mark Jones. “The Puritans on Union with Christ, Justification, and Regeneration.” Chapter 30 of A Puritan Theology: Doctrine for Life (Grand Rapids: Reformation Heritage, 2012), 481–89. [Amazon | Logos | RHB | WTS Books]
2. Berkhof, Louis. “The Mystical Union.” In Systematic Theology, 4th ed. (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1996), 447–53. [Amazon | Google Books | Logos]
3. Berkouwer, G. C. “‘Mystical’ Union with Christ” and “Union and Communion.” In The Church, trans. James E. Davison. Vol. 14 of Studies in Dogmatics, 84–91. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1976. [Amazon | Google Books | Logos]
4. Boice, James Montgomery. “Union with Christ.” In Foundations of the Christian Faith: A Comprehensive and Readable Theology, rev. ed., 388–98. Downers Grove: IVP, 1986. [Amazon | Google Books | Logos]
5. à Brakel, Wilhelmus. “The Communion of Believers with Christ and with Each Other.” In The Christian’s Reasonable Service, trans. Bartel Elshout, 2:86–106. Morgan, PA: Soli Deo Gloria, 1992. [Amazon | Monergism]
6. Buswell, J. Oliver, Jr. “The Mystical Union.” In A Systematic Theology of the Christian Religion, 2:217–26. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1963. [Amazon]
7. Chafer, Lewis Sperry. “The Believer’s Position in Christ.” In Systematic Theology, 4:92–100. Grand Rapids: Kregel, 1976. [Amazon | CBD | Google Books | Logos]
8. Culver, Robert Duncan. “The Doctrine of Union with Christ.” In Systematic Theology: Biblical and Historical, 664–70. Ross-shire, Great Britain: Christian Focus, 2005. [Amazon | Logos]
9. Dabney, Robert Lewis. “Union to Christ.” In Systematic Theology, 634–39. Carlisle, PN: Banner of Truth, 1996. [Amazon | Logos]
10. Erickson, Millard J. “Union with Christ.” In Christian Theology, 2nd ed., 961–67, 987. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 1998. [Amazon | Logos]
11. Erickson, Millard J. “Union with Christ.” In Introducing Christian Doctrine. 2nd ed, 315–18. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2001. [Amazon | Logos]
12. Gill, John. “Of the Eternal Union of the Elect of God unto Him.” In A Complete Body of Doctrinal and Practical Divinity; or, A System of Evangelical Truths, Deduced from the Sacred Scriptures, 1:290–94. London, 1796. [Amazon | Google Books | Logos]
13. Grudem, Wayne A. “Union with Christ.” Chapter 43 of Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine, 840–50. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2004. [Amazon | Google Books | Logos]
14. Hodge, A. A. “Union of Believers with Christ.” In Outlines of Theology, 369–74. New York: Robert Carter, 1863. [Amazon | Archive | Google Books | Logos]
15. Hodge, Charles. “Union with Christ.” In Systematic Theology, 3:104. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1960. [Amazon | Archive | Logos]
16. Horton, Michael. “Union with Christ.” Chapter 18 in The Christian Faith: A Systematic Theology for Pilgrims on the Way, 587–619. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2011. [Amazon | Logos]
17. Kelly, Douglas F. “The Holy Spirit Brings Us into the Son’s Knowledge of the Father.” In The God Who Is: The Holy Trinity. Vol. 1 of Systematic Theology: Grounded in Holy Scripture and Understood in the Light of the Church, 32–35. Ross-shire, Scotland: Mentor, 2008. [Amazon | Logos]
18. McCune, Roland. “Union with Christ.” In The Doctrines of Salvation, the Church, and Last Things. Vol. 3 of A Systematic Theological of Biblical Christianity, 89–92. Allen Park, MI: Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary, 2010. [Amazon | Logos]
19. Oden, Thomas C. “Union with Christ and Sanctification.” In Life in the Spirit. Vol. 3 of Systematic Theology, 205–57. San Francisco: HarperSanFrancisco, 1992. [Amazon | Logos]
20. Pope, William Burt. “Union with Christ.” In “The Administration of Redemption.” In A Compendium of Christian Theology: Being Analytical Outlines of a Course of Theological Study, Biblical, Dogmatic, Historical, 2nd ed., 2:394–97. London: Beveridge and Co., 1879. [Amazon | Logos]
21. Reymond, Robert L. “Union with Christ.” In A New Systematic Theology of the Christian Faith, 2nd ed., 736–39. Nashville: Nelson, 1998. [Amazon | Logos]
22. Smith, Morton H. “Union with Christ.” Chapter 35 of Systematic Theology, 2:491–98. Greenville, SC: Greenville Seminary Press, 1994. [Amazon]
23. Strong, Augustus H. “Union with Christ.” In Systematic Theology: A Compendium and Commonplace Book Designed for the Use of Theological Students, 3:795–809. Philadelphia: American Baptist Publication Society, 1907. [Amazon | Archive | Google Books | Logos]
24. Swindoll, Charles R., and Roy B. Zuck. “Discovering the New You in Christ: United with Christ in Sanctification.” In Understanding Christian Theology, 961–70. Nashville: Nelson, 2003. [Amazon | Logos]
25. Thiessen, Henry Clarence. “Union with Christ and Adoption.” Chapter 31 in Lectures in Systematic Theology, rev. Vernon D. Doerksen. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1979. [Amazon | Logos]

5. Chapters or Sections in Biblical Theologies

1. Dunn, James D. G. “Participation in Christ.” In The Theology of Paul the Apostle, 390–412. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1998. [Amazon | Google Books]
2. Ridderbos, Herman N. “In Christ, with Christ: The Old and the New Man.” In Paul: An Outline of His Theology, trans. John Richard De Witt, 57–64. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1997. [Amazon | Google Books]

6. Chapters or Sections in Other Books

1. Anyabwile, Thabiti. “The Holy Spirit in Conversion and Union with Christ.” In “The Transforming Work of the Spirit.” Chapter 10 of John Calvin: A Heart for Devotion, Doctrine, and Doxology, ed. Burk Parsons, 120–23. Lake Mary, FL: Reformation Trust, 2008. [Amazon | Logos]
2. Barrett, Michael P. V. “Union with Christ: The Security of the Gospel.” In Complete in Him: A Guide to Understanding and Enjoying the Gospel, 93–118. Greenville, SC: Ambassador–Emerald, 2000. [Amazon | Logos]
3. Boice, James Montgomery. “Union with Jesus Christ.” Chapter 66 of The Reign of Grace. Vol. 2 of Romans, 552–60. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1991. [Amazon | Logos]
4. Boston, Thomas. “Union with Christ the Only Way to Sanctification.” In An Illustration of the Doctrines of the Christian Religion with Respect to Faith and Practice upon the Plan of the Assembly’s Shorter Catechism Comprehending a Complete Body of Divinity. Vol. 2 of  The Whole Works of Thomas Boston, ed. Samuel M’Millan, 5–14. Aberdeen: George and Robert King, 1848. [Google Books | Logos]
5. Bridges, Jerry. “Union with Christ.” In “The Pleasure of Obedience.” Chapter 3 of The Gospel for Real Life: Turn to the Liberating Power of the Cross . . . Every Day, 36–39. Colorado Springs: NavPress, 2003. [Amazon | Logos]
6. Bridges, Jerry. “Union with Christ” and “Representative Union.” In “We Died to Sin.” Chapter 4 of The Discipline of Grace: God’s Role and Our Role in the Pursuit of Holiness, 65–69. Colorado Springs: NavPress, 2006. [Amazon | Logos]
7. Bubeck, Mark I. “The Believer’s Union with Christ.” In Overcoming the Adversary: Warfare Praying against Demon Activity, 36–43. Chicago: Moody, 1984. [Amazon | Logos]
8. Chapell, Bryan. “United for Life.” In Holiness by Grace: Delighting in the Joy That Is Our Strength, 39–65. Wheaton: Crossway, 2001. [Amazon | Google Books | Logos]
9. Chester, Tim. “United with the Crucified and Risen Christ.” Chapter 14 of Mission and the Coming of God: Eschatology, the Trinity, and Mission in the Theology of Jürgen Moltmann and Contemporary Evangelicalism. Waynesboro, GA: Paternoster, 2006. [Amazon | Logos]
10. Demarest, Bruce A. “‘Christ Lives in Me’: The Doctrine of Union with Christ.” Chapter 8 of The Cross and Salvation: The Doctrine of Salvation.2 Foundations of Evangelical Theology, ed. John S. Feinberg, 313–44. Wheaton: Crossway, 1997. [Amazon | Google Books | Logos]
11. Ferguson, Sinclair B. “Our Union with Christ.” Chapter 23 of In Christ Alone: Living the Gospel Centered Life, 113–15. Orlando: Reformation Trust, 2007. [Amazon | Logos]
12. Gaffin, Richard B., Jr., “Union with Christ,” “Union and Justification,” and “Union with Christ and the Resurrection.” In By Faith, Not by Sight: Paul and the Order of Salvation, 35–41, 58–68. Waynesboro, GA: Paternoster, 2006. [Amazon | Logos]
13. Gaffin, Richard B., Jr., “Union with Christ: Some Biblical and Theological Reflections.” In Always Reforming: Explorations in Systematic Theology, ed. A. T. B. McGowan, 271–88. Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2006. [Amazon]
14. Hodge, Charles. “The Nature and Evidences of Union with Christ.” In Princeton Sermons: Outlines of Discourses, Doctrinal and Practical, Delivered at Princeton Theological Seminary on Sabbath Afternoons, 213–14. London: Thomas Nelson, 1879. [Amazon | Google Books | Logos]
15. Hoekema, Anthony A. “Union with Christ.” In Saved by Grace, 54–67. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1994. [Amazon]
16. Horton, Michael. “Union with Christ.” In Christ the Lord: The Reformation and Lordship Salvation, ed. Michael Horton, 107–15. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1992. [Amazon]
17. Johnson, Marcus Peter. “‘’The Highest Degree of Importance’: Union with Christ and Soteriology in Evangelical Calvinism.” In Evangelical Calvinism: Essays Resourcing the Continuing Reformation of the Church. Eugene: Pickwick, 2011.
18. Johnson, Marcus Peter. “Participation in Adam and in Christ: A Way Forward on the Question of the Transmission of Original Sin.” In Evangelical Calvinism: Essays Resourcing the Continuing Reformation of the Church. Eugene: Pickwick, 2011.
19. Kuyper, Abraham. “The Mystical Union with Immanuel.” In The Work of the Holy Spirit, trans. Henri de Vries, 333–37. New York: Funk and Wagnalls, 1900. [Amazon | Google Books | Logos]
20. Lloyd-Jones, D. Martyn. “Union with Christ.” In God the Holy Spirit, 106–16. Vol 2. of Great Doctrines of the Bible. Wheaton: Crossway, 1997. [Amazon | Logos]
21. MacArthur, John F., Jr. “Union with Christ.” In Drawing Near: Daily Readings for a Deeper Faith, 199. Wheaton: Crossway, 1993. [Amazon | Logos]
22. McKay, David. “Union with Christ.” In “Blessings of the Covenant.” In The Bond of Love: Covenant Theology and the Contemporary World, 144–47. Fearn, Ross-shire, UK: Christian Focus, 2001. [Amazon | Logos]
23. Maddox, David B. “Union with Christ: The Implications for Biblical Counseling.” Chapter 6 of Introduction to Biblical Counseling: A Basic Guide to the Principles and Practice of Counseling, ed. John F. MacArthur Jr., Wayne A. Mack, and The Master’s College Faculty, 116–30. Dallas: Word, 1997. [Amazon | Logos]
24. Morey, Robert A. “Union with Christ.” In Studies in the Atonement, 89–102. Las Vegas, NV: Christian Scholars, 1989. [Amazon | Logos]
25. Murray, John. “Union with Christ.” Chapter 9 of Redemption Accomplished and Applied, 161–73. Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1955. [Amazon | Google Books | WTS Books]
26. Mursell, Gordon. “Union with Christ: Puritan Mysticism.” In “Holiness in the English Tradition: From Prayer Book to Puritans.” Chapter 13 of Holiness: Past and Present, ed. Stephen C. Barton, 293–96. New York: T&T Clark, 2003. [Amazon | Logos]
27. Ryken, Philip Graham. “Pastoral Ministry in Union with Christ.” In The Practical Calvinist: An Introduction to the Presbyterian and Reformed Heritage, ed. Peter A. Lillback, 445–61. Fearn, Ross-shire, UK: Christian Focus, 2002. [Amazon | Logos]
28. Simeon, Charles. “The Church’s Union with Christ.” In Revelation. Vol. 21 of Horae Homiletica, 221–24. London: Holdsworth and Ball, 1832–63. [Logos]
29. Thomas, Derek W. H. “Union with Christ—Forever.” Chapter 11 of How the Gospel Brings Us All the Way Home, 129–40. Lake Mary, FL: Reformation Trust Publishing, 2011. [Amazon | Logos]
30. Walvoord, John F. “Union with Christ.” In The Theological Wordbook, 367. Swindoll Leadership Library. Nashville: Word, 2000. [Amazon | Logos]
31. Warfield, Benjamin B. “Communion with Christ: ‘Conferences’ in the Oratory of Princeton Seminary.” In Faith and Life, 415–27. London: Longmans, 1916. [Amazon | Archive | Logos]

7. Books

1. Billings, J. Todd. Calvin, Participation, and the Gift: The Activity of Believers in Union with Christ. Changing Paradigms in Historical and Systematic Theology. New York: Oxford University Press, 2008. vii + 230 pp. [Amazon]
2. Billings, J. Todd. Union with Christ: Reframing Theology and Ministry for the Church. Grand Rapids: Baker, 2011. 192 pp. [Amazon]
3. Braaten, Carl E.,  and Robert W. Jenson, eds., Union with Christ: The New Finnish Interpretation of Luther. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1998. [Amazon]
4. Campbell, Constantine R. Paul and Union with Christ: An Exegetical and Theological Study. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2012. [Amazon]
5. Evans, William B. Imputation and Impartation: Union with Christ in American Reformed Theology. Studies in Christian History and Thought. Milton Keynes: Paternoster, 2008. [Amazon | WTS Books]
6. Fitzpatrick, Elyse M. Found in Him: The Joy of the Incarnation and Our Union with Christ. Wheaton: Crossway, 2013. 240 pp. [Amazon]
7. Garcia, Mark A. Life in Christ: Union with Christ and Twofold Grace in Calvin’s Theology. Studies in Christian History and Thought. Waynesboro, GA: Paternoster, 2008. [Amazon | RHB]
8. Gifford, James D. Perichoretic Salvation: The Believers Union with Christ as a Third Type of Perichoresis. Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock, 2011. 232 pp. [Amazon]
9. Hawker, Robert. Union and Communion with Christ. Old Paths Gospel Press. [RHB]
10. Horton, Michael S. Covenant and Salvation: Union with Christ. Louisville, KY: WJK, 2007. [Amazon]
11. Horton, Michael S. Union with Christ. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2004. 47 pp. [Amazon]
12. Letham, Robert. Union with Christ: In Scripture, History, and Theology. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R, 2011. 208 pp. [Amazon | RHB]
13. Johnson, Marcus Peter. One with Christ: An Evangelical Theology of Salvation. Wheaton: Crossway, 2013. 256 pp. [Amazon]
14. Kennedy, Kevin Dixon. Union with Christ and the Extent of the Atonement in Calvin. New York: Peter Lang, 2002. x + 177 pp. [Amazon]
15. Lee, Kye Won. Living in Union with Christ: The Practical Theology of Thomas F. Torrance. Vol. 11 of Issues in Systematic Theology. New York: Peter Lang, 2003. [Amazon]
16. Macaskill, Grant. Union with Christ in the New Testament. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2014. 368 pp. [Amazon]
17. Marshall, Walter. The Gospel Mystery of Sanctification: Growing in Holiness by Living in Union with Christ, ed. Bruce H. McRae. Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock, 2005. [Amazon | Google Books | Logos]3
18. Pink, A. W. Spiritual Union and Communion. Chapel Library. 175 pp. [RHB]
19. Roberts, Maurice. Union and Communion with Christ. Reformation Heritage Books. 130 pp. [RHB]
20. Schieffelin, Samuel B. Children of God and Union with Christ. New York: Board of Publication of the Reformed Church in America, 1896. [Amazon]
21. Smedes, Lewis B. All Things Made New: A Theology of Man’s Union with Christ. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1970.
22. Smedes, Lewis B. Union with Christ: A Biblical View of the New Life in Jesus Christ, 2nd ed. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1983. [Amazon]
23. Strong, Augustus H. Union with Christ: A Chapter of Systematic Theology. Philadelphia: American Baptist Publication Society, 1913. [Archive | Google Books]
24. Tamburello, Dennis E. Union with Christ: John Calvin and the Mysticism of St. Bernard. Columbia Series in Reformed Theology. Louisville, KY: WJK, 2007. [Amazon | Google Books]
25. Vosteen, J. Peter. “Sharing Christ. Philippians 3:1–11.” Kerux 21, no. 2 (2006): 3–10.
26. Yuille, J. Stephen. The Inner Sanctum of Puritan Piety: John Flavel’s Doctrine of Mystical Union with Christ. Grand Rapids: Reformation Heritage, 2007. 128 pp. [Amazon | RHB]

8. Journal and Magazine Articles

1. Benton, Wilson, Jr. “United in Spirit.” Tabletalk, December 1994, 9–10, 52. [Logos]
2. Brown, C. “Buster.” “Crucified with Christ.” Tabletalk, December 1994, 11–13. [Logos]
3. Carpenter, Craig B. “A Question of Union with Christ? Calvin and Trent on Justification.” Westminster Theological Journal 64, no. 2 (Fall 2002): 363–86. [Logos]
4. Garcia, Mark A. “Imputation and the Christology of Union with Christ: Calvin, Osiander, and the Contemporary Quest for a Reformed Model.” Westminster Theological Journal 68, no. 2 (Fall 2006): 219–51. [Logos]
5. Dolezal, James E. “United We Stand: Considering the Christian’s Union with Christ.” Journal of Modern Ministry 3, no. 2 (Spring 2006): 31–46. [Logos]
6. Ejenobo, David T. “‘Union With Christ’: A Critique of Romans 6:1–11.” Asia Journal of Theology 22, no. 2 (2008): 309–23.
7. Ferguson, Sinclair. “Our Union with Christ.” Tabletalk, October 1997, 42–43. [Logos]
8. Fesko, J. V. “Arminius on Union with Christ and Justification.” Trinity Journal 31, no. 2 (2010): 205–22.
9. Fesko, J. V. “John Owen on Union with Christ and Justification.” Themelios 37, no. 1 (April 2012): 7–19.
10. Fesko, J. V. “Peter Martyr Vermigli on Union with Christ and Justification.” Reformed Theological Review 70, no. 1 (2011): 37–57.
11. Fesko, J. V. “Sanctification and Union with Christ: A Reformed Perspective.” Evangelical Quarterly 82, no. 3 (2010): 197–214.
12. Fisk, Philip. “Calvin’s Metaphysics of Our Union with Christ.” International Journal of Systematic Theology 11, no. 3 (2009): 309–31.
13. Garcia, Mark A. “Imputation and the Christology of Union with Christ: Calvin, Osiander, and the Contemporary Quest for a Reformed Model.” Westminster Theological Journal 68, no. 2 (2006): 219–51.
14. Garcia, Mark A. “Imputation as Attribution: Union with Christ, Reification, and Justification as as Declarative Word.” International Journal of Systematic Theology 11, no. 4 (2009): 415–27.
15. Garlington, Don. “Imputation or Union with Christ? A Response to John Piper.” Reformation and Revival 12:4 (Fall 2003): 45–102. [Logos]
16. Gatiss, Lee. “The Inexhaustible Fountain of All Good Things: Union with Christ in Calvin on Ephesians.” Themelios 34, no. 2 (July 2009): 194–206. [Logos]
17. Gerstner, John H. “Our Union with Christ.” Tabletalk, June 1989, 38–40. [Logos]
18. Hesselink, I. John. “Calvin, the Holy Spirit, and Mystical Union.” Perspectives 13, no. 1 (January 1998): 15–18.
19. Hiebert, D. Edmond. “The Assurance of Union with Christ.” In “An Expositional Study of 1 John: Part 6; An Exposition of 1 John 3:13–24.” Bibliotheca Sacra 146, no. 583 (July 1989): 316–19.
20. Hodges, Zane C. “Acting on Our Union with Christ: Romans 6:12–23.” Journal of the Grace Evangelical Society 22, no. 43 (Autumn 2009): 12.
21. Hogan, Joseph. “Our Bodily Union with Christ.” Diakonia 16, no. 2 (1981): 10–15.
22. Horton, Michael S. “Union with Christ: The Double Cure.” Modern Reformation, July–August 2006, 6–11.
23. Johnson, Marcus. “Calvin and Union with Christ: Central Dogmas and Methodology.” In “New or Nuanced Perspective on Calvin? A Reply to Thomas Wenger.” Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 51, no. 3 (September 2008): 96–97.
24. Johnson, Marcus. “Luther and Calvin on Union with Christ.” Fides et Historia 39, no. 2 (2007): 59–77.
25. Johnson, S. Lewis, Jr. “Studies in the Epistle to the Colossians, Part VII: The Complete Sufficiency of Union with Christ.” Bibliotheca Sacra 120, no. 477 (January 1963): 13–23. [Logos]
26. Jones, R. Tudur. “Union with Christ: The Existential Nerve of Puritan Piety.” Tyndale Bulletin 41, no. 2 (1990): 185–208.
27. Kang, Kevin Woongsan. “Justified by Faith in Christ: Jonathan Edwards’s Doctrine of Justification in Light of Union with Christ.” Westminster Theological Journal 65, no. 2 (Fall 2003): 360. [Logos]
28. Kim, Sung-Sup. “Engrafting: The Image of Union in Calvin’s Commentary on John’s Gospel.” Journal of Reformed Theology 4, no. 2 (2010): 112–28.
29. McClean, John. “Perichoresis, Theosis, and Union with Christ in the Thought of John Calvin.” Reformed Theological Review 68, no. 2 (2009): 130–41.
30. McGinn, Bernard. “Love, Knowledge, and Mystical Union in Western Christianity: Twelfth to Sixteenth Centuries.” Church History 56 (March 1987): 7–24.
31. Malone, Mike. “A Pastor’s Perspective for All Eternity.” Tabletalk, December 1994, 54–55. [Logos]
32. Metzger, Paul Louis. “Luther and the Finnish School: Mystical Union with Christ: An Alternative to Blood Transfusions and Legal Fictions.” Westminster Theological Journal 65, no. 2 (Fall 2003): 201–13. [Logos]
33. Mueller, W. A. “Basic Christian Doctrines, 31: The Mystical Union.” Christianity Today 6:22–23.
34. Myers, Ken. “Mystic, Sweet Communion.” Tabletalk, December 1994, 58–59. [Logos]
35. Norris, Robert M. “United in His Resurrection.” Tabletalk, December 1994, 14–15, 53. [Logos]
36. Parsons, Michael. “‘In Christ’ in Paul.” Vox Evangelica 18 (1988): 25–44.
37. Poythress, Vern S. “Ezra 3, Union with Christ, and Exclusive Psalmody: Part 1.” Westminster Theological Journal 37, no. 1 (Fall 1974): 74–94. [Logos]
38. Poythress, Vern S. “Ezra 3, Union with Christ, and Exclusive Psalmody: Part 2.” Westminster Theological Journal 37, no. 2 (Winter 1974): 218–35. [Logos]
39. Reinhard, Donna R. “Ephesians 6:10–18: A Call to Personal Piety or Another Way of Describing Union with Christ?” Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 48, no. 3 (September 2005): 521–32. [Logos]
40. Seifrid, Mark A. “Reflections on Union with Christ.” In “Luther and the Finnish School: Paul, Luther, and Justification in Gal 2:15–21.” Westminster Theological Journal 65, no. 2 (2003): 213.
41. Sproul, R. C. “Right Now Counts Forever: From Eternity to Here.” Tabletalk, December 1994, 4–7. [Logos]
42. Tan, Seng-Kong. “Calvin’s Doctrine of Our Union with Christ.” Quodlibet Journal 5, no. 4 (October 2003).
43. Wenger, Thomas L. “Calvin and Union with Christ.” In “The New Perspective on Calvin: Responding to Recent Calvin Interpretations.” Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 50, no. 2 (June 2007): 312–15.

9. Conference Papers

1. Ellenburg, B. Dale. “‘In Christ’ in Ephesians.” Paper presented at the 48th National Conference of the Evangelical Theological Society, Jackson, MS, November 21–23, 1996.
2. Terveen, J. L. “Union with Christ: Pauline Christological Touchstone in Colossians 2:8–15.” Paper presented at the 54th National Conference of the Evangelical Theological Society, Toronto, ON, November 20–22, 2002.
3. Thieme, Robert B., III, “Union with Christ.” Paper presented at the Northwest Regional Conference of the Evangelical Theological Society, Portland, OR, April 4, 1987.

10. Dissertations and Theses

1. Billings, J. Todd. “Calvin, Participation, and the Gift: The Activity of Believers in Union with Christ.” ThD diss., Harvard University, 2005. [Proquest]
2. Boctor, Farouk T. “Union with Christ in the Work of Father Matta El-Meskeen.” ThM thesis, Westminster Theological Seminary, 1995.
3. Brock, Mark D. “The Relationship of Spirit Baptism to Union with Christ.” ThM thesis, Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary, 2005.
4. Evans, William Borden. “Imputation and Impartation: The Problem of Union with Christ in Nineteenth Century American Reformed Theology.” PhD diss., Vanderbilt University, 1996. [Proquest]
5. Forsee, Bruce Alan. “The Role of Union with Christ in Sanctification.” PhD diss., Bob Jones University, 1985. [Proquest]
6. Griffith, Wayne D. “The Influence of Union with Christ on the Relational Practice of Pastors.” DMin diss., Covenant Theological Seminary, 2005.
7. Kang, Kevin Woongsan. “Justified by Faith in Christ: Jonathan Edwards’ Doctrine of Justification in Light of Union with Christ.” PhD diss., Westminster Theological Seminary, 2003. [Proquest]
8. Hobi, Kevin. “Union with Christ and the Old Testament Believer: A Test Case for Theological Systems.” PhD diss., Bob Jones University Seminary, 2007. 350 pp.
9. Holtzen, Thomas L. “Union with God and the Holy Spirit: A New Paradigm of Justification.” PhD, diss. Marquette University, 2002. [Proquest]
10. Johnson, Marcus Peter. “Eating by Believing: Union with Christ in the Soteriology of John Calvin.” PhD diss., University of St. Michael’s College, 2007. [Proquest]
11. Kennedy, Kevin Dixon. “Union with Christ as Key to John Calvin’s Understanding of the Extent of the Atonement.” PhD diss., The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, 1999. [Proquest]
12. Mason, Matthew W. “The Significance of the Systematic and Polemical Function of Union with Christ in John Owen’s Contribution to Seventeeth Century Debates concerning Eternal Justification.” MTh thesis, Oak Hill College, 2005.
13. Murphy, Kevin E. “The Mystical Union as Manifested by Saint John of the Cross and Saint Teresa of Avila.” MA thesis, University of Wyoming, 1966. [Proquest]
14. Paver, Jonathan D. “Union with Christ in the Theology of Dr. John Owen (1616–1683): With Special Emphasis on Its Impact on Sanctification and a Christian’s Duty.” MA thesis, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, 1996.
15. Peterson, Robert Dean. “The Atonement as Mystical Union with Christ in the Thought of Horace Bushnell.” PhD diss., Saint Louis University, 1984. [Proquest]
16. Stephenson, Mark. “Clinging to God in the Night: A Reformed Critique of the Teachings of St. John of the Cross on Spiritual Darkness and Union with Christ and Applications for Ministry.” ThM thesis, Calvin Theological Seminary, 2005.
17. Tamburello, Dennis Edward. “Christ and Mystical Union: A Comparative Study of the Theologies of Bernard of Clairvaux and John Calvin.” PhD diss., The University of Chicago, 1990. [Proquest]
18. Walker, Steven. “Union with Christ and the Sacraments: Clarifying the Federal Vision Theology of Douglas Wilson and Peter Leithart.” MA thesis, Reformed Theological Seminary, 2007.

11. Audio and Video

1. Bucey, Camden, J. Todd Billings, Jared Oliphint, and Nick Batzig. “Theology and Ministry in Light of Union with Christ.”
2. Ferguson, Sinclair. “Paul on Union with Christ.” [PDF transcript]
3. Ferguson, Sinclair. “Union with Christ: Life-Transforming Implications.” 2014 Conference for Pastors: The Pastor, the Vine, and the Branches. February 4, 2014. 1:01:30.
4. Ferguson, Sinclair. “Union with Christ: Mind-Renewing Foundations.” 2014 Conference for Pastors: The Pastor, the Vine, and the Branches. February 4, 2014. 56:59.
5. Gaffin, Richard. “The Mystery of Union with Christ.”
   1. “The Mystery of Union with Christ—Part 1.”
   2. “The Mystery of Union with Christ—Part 2.”
   3. “The Mystery of Union with Christ—Part 3.”
   4. “The Mystery of Union with Christ—Part 4.”
   5. “The Mystery of Union with Christ—Part 5.”
   6. “The Mystery of Union with Christ—Q & A, Part 1.”
   7. “The Mystery of Union with Christ—Q & A, Part 2.”
6. Gaffin, Richard, Lane Tipton, Jeff Waddington, and James Cassidy. “Alive with Christ: Saving Union with Christ.”
   1. Gaffin, Richard. “A Biblical Overview of Union with Christ.”
   2. Tipton, Lane. “Union with Christ and Regeneration.”
   3. Gaffin, Richard. “Union with Christ: The Good Work Begun.”
   4. Tipton, Lane. “Union with Christ and Sanctification.”
   5. Gaffin, Richard, Lane Tipton, Jeff Waddington, and James Cassidy. “Questions and Answers on Union with Christ.”
   6. Waddington, Jeff. “Union with Christ: The Gateway into Fellowship with the Triune God.”
   7. Tipton, Lane. “Union with Christ and the Gospel.”
   8. Cassidy, James. “Union with Christ and Glorification.”
7. Hart, D. G., and R. Scott Clark. “D. G. Hart on Union with Christ.” May 10, 2010.
8. Horton, Michael. “Calvin on Union with Christ.” 2014 Conference for Pastors: The Pastor, the Vine, and the Branches. February 4, 2014. 58:41.
9. Horton, Michael. “Union with Christ and the Communion of Saints.” 2014 Conference for Pastors: The Pastor, the Vine, and the Branches. February 4, 2014. 49:26.
10. Horton, Michael, Camden Bucey, and Jim Cassidy. “Union with Christ, a Response.” December 16, 2011.
11. Letham, Robert. “Union with Christ.”
    1. “Union with Christ 1.”
    2. “Union with Christ 2.”
    3. “Union with Christ 3.”
    4. “Union with Christ 4.”
    5. “Union with Christ 5.”
    6. “Union with Christ 6.”
12. Ortlund, Ray. “The Doctrine of Union with Christ.” Theology Refresh: Podcast for Christian Leaders. December 15, 2011.
13. Piper, John. “Glorifying God by Bearing Fruit in Union with Christ.” 2014 Conference for Pastors: The Pastor, the Vine, and the Branches. February 3, 2014. 1:11:06.
14. Piper, John. “The Ministry of Hudson Taylor As Life in Christ.” 2014 Conference for Pastors: The Pastor, the Vine, and the Branches. February 5, 2014. 1:12:16.
15. Piper, John, Sinclair Ferguson, and Michael Horton. “Panel Discussion.” 2014 Conference for Pastors: The Pastor, the Vine, and the Branches. February 6, 2014. 57:46.
16. Tipton, Lane G., Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy, and Jeff Waddington. “Union with Christ.” October 28, 2011.

Last updated on February 16, 2014.

1. See my review. [↩]
2. See my review. [↩]
3. The one on Google Books is the original, entitled The Gospel-Mystery of Sanctification, 12th ed. (New York, 1811). [↩]