Putting the You into Union
INTRODUCTION – At the very core of the Communion service is the concept of union. It is really far more than a concept; it is a reality that is foundational to Christianity.
- IN THE COMMUNION SERVICE, WE RECOGNIZE THE UNION OF THE TRINITY.
Matthew 28:16-20 – We studied this passage together for a month this past summer. The nature or character (“name”) of God is revealed as triune. The Father is the Father; the Son is the Son; the Spirit is the Spirit. Each is fully God in a real union, an eternal union, three persons in one being. In communion, we are celebrating the triune nature of God. In worship, we are commanded in I Cor. 14:40, “Let all things be done decently and in order.” Our worship is based on the harmonious union of the Triune God.
- IN THE COMMUNION SERVICE, WE REMEMBER THE UNION OF OUR HUMANITY WITH GOD THE SON.
John 1:14, 18 – The value of our humanity includes man’s creation in God’s image (Gen. 1:26, 27). Moreover, our humanity is honored by God the Son’s humanity. The Incarnation (Jesus coming as fully man and as fully God – not a mixture) is a most unexpected yet most personal union. The world’s blind acceptance – even worship – of evolution is not only a rejection of God as Creator but also of God as Savior, of the historical fact of the Incarnation of Jesus Christ. The humanity of God the Son confirms that our union with Him is real and personal.
- IN THE COMMUNION SERVICE, WE REJOICE IN THE UNION OF ALL BELIEVERS WITH GOD THE SON.
Galations 3:28 – “One” means that we are one body or one person “in Christ” – that is, in a saving relationship with Him. In pastoral prayer, I often quote from verse 3 of Ephesians 1:3-14. All of the blessings found here (and others unmentioned here) are a result of our union with Jesus Christ (note “in Christ” and “in Him” throughout the passage, which is one long sentence in the original Greek). Ephesians 5:29-33 speaks of our union with Jesus in terms of marriage; together, we have union with the Savior. The modern attack on marriage is merely a manifestation of an ancient hatred of God, a Satanic hatred of the union found within the Trinity and in the union of each believer and all believers with God the Son.
CONCLUSION – Union is built into Communion, not only in the English word but also (and far more importantly) theologically and doctrinally. The title of this message is “Putting the You into Union.” Are you “in Christ”? If He is not now your Savior, ask Him to be. As fully man, He was our substitute on the Cross, taking our punishment for our sins. As fully God, He was our perfect substitute, guaranteeing that our salvation is secure. If you have already put the you into union, join with us in the Communion service, knowing that together our union is with the Savior.