Soteriology and Doxology- Union with Christ and the Life of Faith

A renowned theologian addresses the key soteriological theme of union with Christ, showing students how to integrate theology into the life of faith and how the practices of Christian worship influence theological thinking.

"It would be hard to imagine a better introduction to union with Christ than this"

This book provides substantive engagement with the doctrine of soteriological union. Its biblical point of access is Paul's theology of life "in Christ," understood as an invitation to a theological reading of the four Gospels. Special attention is given to the trinitarian structure of union with Christ.

"Those who know Fred Sanders's writing will know he is a master of clarity, concision, and theological wisdom. This book exemplifies these virtues to the full. It would be hard to imagine a better introduction to union with Christ than this."
-- Jeremy Begbie, Duke University

"There are riches packed into this slim volume! As well as being a scriptural, historical, and doctrinal primer on union with Christ by the Spirit, it makes a compelling case for seeing this concept as the controlling center of soteriology. Drawing on devotional as well as theological works down the centuries, Sanders helps us see how a strongly trinitarian account of union with Christ informs pastoral wisdom and shapes our understanding of the Christian life."
-- Suzanne McDonald, Western Theological Seminary

"Sanders makes as compelling a biblical, historical, and theological case for viewing union with Christ as the beating heart of salvation and the Christian life as I have come across. What does it mean to have a personal relationship with Jesus? It means being in Christ. Here is theology that informs and inspires, taking us into the deep things of the gospel, showing us how wondrous is the room in the christological 'in.'"
-- Kevin J. Vanhoozer, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

"Moving smoothly from hymns to creeds, from exegetical observations to drawing from a wide variety of Christian thinkers through the ages, this is vintage Sanders: clear in communication, generously catholic in spirit, biblically saturated, and pastorally sensitive. Yet again we have another helpful gem of a book from a trusted theologian."
-- Kelly M. Kapic, Covenant College

Southwestern Journal of Theology 2025 Book Award (Theological Studies)

In this volume, a top scholar in the world of evangelical theology addresses the key soteriological theme of union with Christ. The book provides substantive engagement with the doctrine of transformative union, including sections on the creeds, Scripture, the history of the doctrine, constructive dogmatics, and Christian praxis. Its biblical point of access is Paul's theology of life "in Christ," understood as an invitation to a theological reading of the four Gospels. Special attention is given to the trinitarian structure of union with Christ.

This book shows students how to integrate theology into the life of faith and demonstrates how the practices of Christian worship influence theological thinking. A devotional interlude directing readers to a classic hymn, poem, or liturgy follows each chapter.

The Soteriology and Doxology series consists of introductory textbooks that cover key topics in soteriology, providing substantive treatments of doctrine while pointing to the setting of theology in doxology. Series editors are Kent Eilers and Kyle C. Strobel.