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  UNITED IN CHRIST'S RESURRECTION
  by W.H. Griffith Thomas
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Summary: The resurrection is a spiritual reality that unites us with
Christ, demonstrating our acceptance with Him and providing a pattern
for our lives.

Topics: "Resurrection Power", "Union With Christ"
Scripture References: John 14:19, Romans 4:24, Romans 6:4, Romans 6:8, Ephesians 1:18, Colossians 2:12, 1 Thessalonians 4:14

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DESCRIPTION
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W.H. Griffith Thomas emphasizes the believers' spiritual resurrection
with Christ, urging them to focus on heavenly things where Christ is
seated at the right hand of God. This resurrection is not a mere
possibility but a definite reality, establishing their spiritual
identity and position in Christ. The resurrection serves as proof of
their acceptance in Christ, a pattern for holy living, a source of power
for Christian character and service, a promise of future physical
resurrection, and a pledge of eternal life. Through their union with
Christ, believers are seen by God as having shared in His resurrection
and are called to live in light of this profound truth.

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CONTENT
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"If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above,
where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God"

(Col. 3:1).

The apostle first calls attention to his readers having been "raised
together with Christ" (ASV). The English word "if" is employed here in
its sense of "since"--"in view of," and the verb is in the indicative
mood, so that Paul is clearly assuming this resurrection as a fact,
admissive of no doubt. That is to say, these Christians were raised
spiritually when Christ was raised physically; and this identification
was the foundation of their spiritual position. The resurrection is
variously presented in the New Testament as at once a proof, a pattern,
a power, a promise, and a pledge. It is the proof of our acceptance of
Christ's death and of our acceptance with Him (Rom. 4:24-25): it is to
be the pattern of our holy life (Rom. 6:4); it is also the power for
Christian character and service (Eph. 1:18-20); it contains the promise
of our own physical resurrection (1 Thess. 4:14); and it is the pledge
of our life hereafter (John 14:19). In the present passage our
resurrection is associated with Christ's because we are united with Him
in such a way that, whatever He did, we are regarded by God the Father
as having done also (2:12; Rom. 6:8).

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Source: https://sermonindex.net/speakers/wh-griffith-thomas/united-in-christs-resurrection/
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