A New People in Christ

What is union with Christ? What role does this theme play in the Epistle to the Romans? Does union with Christ have an Old Testament background or did Paul create the concept for his own theological purposes? These questions will be answered in this exegetical study of Romans. Special attention is given to Paul's use of Old Testament stories in relation to union with Christ. It will be shown that Paul understands union with Christ to be the climax of the human story--a story of creation and rebellion that includes all people, regardless of ethnic or social background. Those who believe in Jesus as the promised Messiah experience restoration as they move from union with Adam into union with Christ. United to Christ, the church finds unity in a new identity--as a new people in Christ.

""This work explores and clarifies a concept of enormous importance in Christian theology--union with Christ. Its careful study of Paul's use of the Old Testament in Romans shows how the covenant-faithfulness of God leads to this concept, and to Paul's exhortation to church unity.""
--Robert Evans, Senior Lecturer in New Testament Theology, University of Chester

""Paul's letter to the Romans continues to provoke much critical discussion, not least because it opens a window into the theological ferment through which an ancient religious tradition, Judaism, first gave birth to its unexpected offspring, Christianity. Through this careful and thorough study of the Old Testament background of the theme of 'union with Christ' in Romans, Wendel Sun contributes creatively to this discussion, offering both answers to neglected questions, and questions which will require an answer.""
--Stephen Wright, Vice Principal and Academic Director, Spurgeon's College, London


Wendel Sun is President of International Chinese Theological Seminary, a seminary dedicated to training house church leaders in Asia.