From Cain-Likeness to Christ-Likeness: Living Out Our Oneness with Christ
Introduction to Chapter Two: Living from Union with Christ
As we continue our journey through Cain-Likeness to Christ-Likeness by David Kuykendall, Chapter Two draws us deeper into the foundational truth that transformation is not about improving the self-life but about exchanging it for the life of Christ. Kuykendall’s emphasis on our oneness with Christ unveils the key to moving beyond striving and into the sufficiency of God’s grace.
If you’ve ever been weary from trying to live up to an ideal or frustrated by repeated failures, this chapter provides the refreshing reminder that transformation is not achieved by effort but by trusting the life of Christ within.
The Key to Transformation: Our Oneness with Christ
A Twofold Reality
Kuykendall presents a life-altering truth that’s both profound and practical:
Christ lives in us.
We live in Christ.
This union is not a theoretical concept but a dynamic reality. At salvation, Christ entered our lives, and we were spiritually united with Him. Paul declares in Romans 6:3, “All of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death.” This union is the starting point of all transformation.
The Death of the “Old Man”
Understanding the Problem
In Chapter One, Kuykendall explained that our “old man” is rooted in a know-it-all attitude—the prideful belief that we know what’s best for ourselves, others, and even God. This attitude produces the sinful traits that dominate our lives apart from Christ.
But here’s the good news: through our union with Christ, the “old man” has been crucified. Romans 6:6 declares, “Our old self was crucified with Him, so that the body of sin might be rendered powerless.”
Two Powerful Analogies
Kuykendall uses the metaphor of a tree to describe the “old man”:
Roots: The know-it-all attitude.
Branches: The sinful traits and actions that grow from this root.
When Christ died, the root of the tree was cut off, ensuring that the branches could no longer bear fruit. This is why transformation is not about improving the old self but about living in the reality of its death.
Similarly, Dr. John Woodward likens the “old man” to an octopus, with its head representing the core problem (the know-it-all attitude) and its tentacles symbolizing the sinful traits and behaviors that emerge from it. Striving to cut off the tentacles one at a time is futile, as they inevitably grow back. However, Christ severed the head of the octopus through His death on the cross.
By dealing with the core issue—the “old man”—Christ’s victory ensures the tentacles (our sinful patterns) have lost their power over us. Our task is not to battle the tentacles but to rest in the truth that the head has been cut off. This perspective frees us from futile striving and empowers us to live in the victory of our union with Christ.
Raised to Walk in Newness of Life
Alive in Christ
Our union with Christ doesn’t stop at the cross; it continues in His resurrection. Romans 6:4 states, “We were buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that... we too may walk in newness of life.”
This new life isn’t just positional; it’s experiential. As we trust in the life of Christ within, we experience His power, love, and character transforming us from the inside out.
Seated with Him
Ephesians 2:6 takes it even further, declaring that we have been raised with Christ and seated with Him in heavenly places. This reality means:
We share in His victory over sin and death.
We have His authority to live victoriously.
We enjoy intimate fellowship with the Father.
Practical Takeaways
1. Reckon It True
Paul’s exhortation in Romans 6:11 is to “reckon yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.” This means embracing the truth of your oneness with Christ and letting Him shape how you think, act, and respond.
2. Trust, Don’t Strive
Transformation doesn’t come from trying harder but from trusting Christ to live His life in you and through you. Each morning, consciously surrender your day to Him, acknowledging His life as the source of your strength and wisdom.
3. Celebrate Grace
When you stumble or falter, don’t revert to striving. Instead, celebrate the grace of God, which has already made provision for every failure. Return to the truth of your union with Christ and let His life flow anew.
Encouragement for Today
Your transformation from Cain-likeness to Christ-likeness is not a project for you to complete. It is the work of God’s grace, made possible through your oneness with Christ. As you surrender to Him, His life flows in and through you, bringing freedom, joy, and power.
Reflection Question
How does understanding the death of your “old man” and your oneness with Christ impact the way you approach struggles and failures in your life?
Closing Prayer of Praise
Lord Jesus, thank You for the glorious truth of our oneness with You. Thank You for crucifying our “old man” and raising us to new life in You. We praise You for teaching us to rest in Your sufficiency and trust in Your life to transform us from within. May we walk in the freedom, joy, and power of Your resurrection, bringing glory to the Father. Amen.
Explore More
For complimentary access to David Kuykendall’s writings, visit David Kuykendall Ministries. You can find this work directly at Cain-Likeness to Christ-Likeness.
Stay Tuned for Part Three!
Next week, we’ll continue our journey with Cain-Likeness to Christ-Likeness, exploring how God transforms our Cain-like tendencies into Christ-like traits through His grace. Don’t miss Chapter Three as we dive deeper into this life-changing study!