BOOK REVIEW: Union with Christ: The Blessings of Being in Him By Sinclair Ferguson

In a future episode of the Here I Sit Podcast I will be diving into the much neglected but exceedingly important doctrine of Union with Christ. It is a foundational doctrine for understanding how we were saved, how we are saved, how we will be saved, and thus it offers us deep insight into how we are to live in light of being saved. But for now I offer a review of a short, sweet, and excellent book by Sinclair Ferguson on the topic entitled, Union with Christ: The Blessings of Being in Him.

In this book, Ferguson writes as a pastor and scholar; a unique talent he displays in most of his works. Though brief, the book captures the essence of what John Calvin called the “sum of all blessings” -- the believer’s union with Christ. Given its short page count it is obvious that Ferguson’s treatment is not an abstract doctrinal exercise but a clear, pastoral, and biblically grounded presentation of how union with Christ shapes every aspect of salvation. The book is laid out such that each chapter in this abbreviated volume is a compact discussion of a biblical text. As such it makes a superb work to use as a devotional.

Ferguson’s perspective fits perfectly in line with Calvin and other Reformed thinkers including John Murray and Richard Gaffin -- whom we will look at together with another book of Ferguson in an episode of “3 books” on the Here I Sit Podcast. He insists that the New Testament does not present salvation as a series of disconnected benefits as the ordo salutis or order of salvation is typically seen by evangelicals. Rather, it consistently describes redemption as being “in Christ”; a key phrase for Paul in particular. All of the stuff Scripture associates with salvation -- forgiveness, justification, reconciliation, adoption, sanctification, and glorification -- are not separate gifts handed out individually as though God is checking off a list of things he gives the believer which amass together to make salvation. Instead, they are inseparable facets of the believer’s participation in Christ himself; their union with him. Put simply, to receive Christ is to receive the whole Christ and all the benefits that flow from him.

Ferguson understands, as reformed theology readily articulates, that our union with Christ is multifaceted including a legal dimension, for believers are justified through the imputation of Christ’s righteousness, as well as a vital, spiritual dimension, because through the Spirit believers are united to Christ’s life, sharing in his death and resurrection. The two are the same side of the coin, but must be kept in balance. Lest we collapse justification into sanctification or vice versa. This balance is on full display throughout the work as Ferguson does an excellent job of holding - for lack of better wording - the declarative and transformative aspects of salvation in a coherent way.

Ferguson is particularly helpful in his discussion of sanctification; which is what makes this a good work for devotional attention. He resists reducing sanctification to mere moral striving and instead frames it as the outworking of the believer’s union with Christ. Christians are not laboring to earn a new identity but desire only to live consistently with the identity they already possess in Christ. ‘Be who you already are in Christ’ is his message. This approach prevents both legalistic and overly passive views of Christian growth.

The pastoral implications of the doctrine also receive careful attention throughout -- a hallmark of Ferguson’s books. Union with Christ grounds assurance, since the believer’s standing before God is secure in Christ and not dependent on shifting emotions or experiences. It cultivates humility, reminding Christians that every blessing is received by grace given in Christ rather than human achievement. It also deepens fellowship with God, for through union with Christ believers enjoy direct communion with the Father by the Spirit. Ferguson shows that far from being a mere theological abstraction, union with Christ shapes how Christians understand mortification of sin, vivification by the Spirit, assurance, worship, and discipleship.

In sum, Ferguson offers a book that is both accessible and profound. He manages to condense a doctrine often treated in highly technical terms into a form that is digestible for readers of all levels of spiritual maturity and theological acumen. [We’ll get into the theological aspects of union with Christ in more detail in the aforementioned podcast.] If you are interested in knowing the heart of your salvation in Jesus Christ and what it means for you spiritual life, Ferguson’s book is a great place to start.

Soli Deo Gloria