Union with Christ: Living Moment by Moment in His Strength
(Based on AB Simpson’s "Days of Heaven on Earth" Devotional for December 1, with gratitude for his enduring insights.)
"As He is, so are we in this world" (1 John 4:17).
The Christian life is not about self-improvement or striving to live up to an impossible standard. It is about union with Christ—an amazing reality in which His life becomes ours, supplying all we need for strength, purity, and victory. This truth invites us to surrender, to let go of our self-reliance and rest in the life of Jesus Himself, who lives in us.
Yielding Fully to the Life of Christ
As AB Simpson writes, "Jesus will come into our surrendered lives and unite Himself with us, imparting to us His own life and being." This union is not achieved through effort but through surrender. It begins with recognizing our utter helplessness and worthlessness apart from Him. In this place of humility, we open the door for Christ to take up residence within us and live His life through us.
From day to day, Jesus becomes the supply of our spiritual needs. He is not merely a helper who assists us in our struggles; He is the substitute for our insufficiency. As we yield to Him, moment by moment, we experience His life as our strength, His righteousness as our purity, and His victory as our own.
One with Him: Sharing His Death, Resurrection, and Glory
Through His death and resurrection, Jesus has made us one with Himself. Paul declares:
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. And the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).
This union with Christ is not merely a spiritual abstraction—it is a daily reality with far-reaching implications:
We are one in His death. The curse of sin has been fully dealt with at the Cross. We are free from its power and penalty.
We are one in His resurrection. Just as Jesus rose from the grave, we now live in the power of His risen life.
We are one in His merits. All that Jesus has accomplished is ours in Him. We approach the Father with confidence, claiming the riches of His grace in every aspect of our lives.
We are one in His glory. We are clothed in His righteousness and will one day share in His eternal glory.
Living as He Is in This World
John’s words, “As He is, so are we in this world” (1 John 4:17), encapsulate the beauty and mystery of this union. Just as Jesus lives in perfect harmony with the Father, we are called to live in Him. This means walking in His love, reflecting His character, and trusting His life to work through us.
However, this is not something we can achieve in our strength. It is the work of Christ in us, accomplished as we yield and abide in Him.
A Hymn of Assurance
AB Simpson’s hymn captures the fullness of this truth:
One in His death on the tree,
One as He rose from the dead;
I from the curse am as free
E'en as my glorious Head.
This is not a hope for the distant future but a reality to be embraced now. All that Jesus has accomplished is ours today.
Reflection
Are there areas of your life where you still strive instead of surrender?
How can you invite Jesus to live more fully through you today?
Let us take this truth to heart: that as He is, so are we in this world. We are not left to struggle on our own. The life of Jesus is available to us every moment, empowering us to live as He lived—full of love, grace, and truth.
A Prayer of Gratitude
Father, thank You for the gift of union with Christ. We rejoice that through His death and resurrection, we have been made one with Him. Thank You for teaching us to rest in His strength, purity, and victory. May our lives reflect the reality of His presence within us as we surrender moment by moment to His indwelling life. All glory to You, for You have made us as He is in this world. Amen.