Union with the Resurrected Christ

What does being united with the resurrected Christ mean for your life? In Union with the Resurrected Christ, G. K. Beale presents an Eschatological New Creation and New Testament Biblical Theology. In 17 chapters and over 550 pages, this book is a serious study of what it means to be raised with Christ. It is thorough with the Scriptures and filled with insight.

Biblical Theology

Part 1, consisting of only 2 chapters, presents the biblical-theological storyline related to resurrection, new creation, and union with Christ. Beale looks at the phrase “latter days” to describe an inaugurated eschatology as well as an “already and not yet” eschatology. I was most surprised to learn that resurrection in the New Testament, especially in Paul’s writings, is related to the new creation and the role of kingship. These ideas were first shown in Beale’s book, A New Testament Biblical Theology. The goal of this present book is to show in more depth that Christ’s resurrection and ascension — as well as our union with him — is the generative source of most of Paul’s important concepts and doctrines. It is a tremendous task, and Beale excels beautifully.

Part 2 makes up the rest of the book, where Beale examines the reality and benefits of fulfillment in Christ’s life, death, and especially resurrection as the beginning of the eschatological new-creation kingdom. Beale likens these realities and benefits as facets of a diamond — being different aspects of our union with Christ. They are listed as follows: Return from exile, True Israel, Last Adam, Regeneration, Righteousness, Wisdom, Justification, Missiology, Ecclesiology, Glorification, Sanctification, King - priest, Tribulation, Redemption, Resurrection, Spirit/pneumatology, Temple, Image of God, Son Of God/Sonship.

The Last Adam, the Son of God, and True Israel

I was most interested to learn how the resurrected Christ is revealed to be the last Adam, the son of God, and true Israel. He is a corporate representative for his people, enabling them to gain Adamic sonship and become true Israel. The study on what it means for Jesus to be called the Son of Man was especially enlightening. It made me proud to know that as I am united with him in the resurrection, Christ represents me in every sense of the word.

What makes this book outstanding are the application sections at the end of each chapter. For example, Beale connects the mission of Jesus with that of his followers. Believers are to suffer for the sake of righteousness just like Jesus. They are commissioned to be a light to the nations. The church has taken on the descriptions of true Israel, and we live this out in the united with Christ reality of the Christian life.

Life Your Life Raised with Christ

Academic and impressive, this book is a comprehensive examination and sweeping survey of what it means to be resurrected with Christ. It is deeply theological, yet explicitly worshipful in nature. To dwell on what it means to be united with Christ was good for my soul, and I come away refreshed to live my life raised with Christ.

I received a media copy of Union with the Resurrected Christ and this is my honest review. Find more of my book reviews and follow Dive In, Dig Deep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life. To read all of my book reviews and to receive all of the free eBooks I find on the web, subscribe to my free newsletter.