Union with Christ and the Life of Faith

Soteriology and Doxology Series

by Fred Sanders

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.

Genres: Theology

161 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 19, 2025

Reviews

[Samuel G. Parkison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vying for first place among my favorite FRED FRED FRED books.

[Zachary Horn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent. I fully ascribe to Sanders's thesis: "there is one Christian soteriology, and that is, by definition, salvation by union with Christ." The opening chapter and two concluding chapters are pure gold and worthy of a five-star rating, but I felt the middle of the book stumbled a bit. That said, it has been some time since I read a piece of theology as moving and enlightening as the closing two chapters of this book. Highly recommend.

[Jonathan Suggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another classic by Sanders! You don’t have to read him for very long before you realize that he has a unique ability to make the complex seem so simple.

Sanders especially does a great job of showing how union with Christ ought to function dogmatically as THE mere Christian soteriology. I hope this awareness gains traction because it has the potential to create more fruitful dialogue across Christian traditions.

The book definitely isn’t exhaustive, and I don’t agree with every minute detail. Yet, it’s thoroughly biblical, theological, historical, and frankly, just enjoyable.

[Kris Wassam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as preparation for preaching Ephesians. It was excellent! It was insightful, rooted in the creeds and Christian tradition, and very edifying. It’s exactly the kind of work I expect from Fred Sanders.

[E · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really appreciated everything that Fred Sanders had to say in this book. He roots our union with Christ in Christ's union with the Father and the Son. He appropriately discusses how union relates to the ordo salutis. He quotes approvingly from great writers of the past (Goodwin, Irenaeus, Calvin, etc.). There is even an excellent take on how to handle (or not) the various "theories" of the atonement.

I was totally at sea trying to ascertain the logic/layout/argument of the book, and in fact even its purpose is elusive. For someone who is such a systematic writer elsewhere, I was surprised by this. Perhaps it had do with the constraints of this series, which seem to be considerable.

This is not the first or second or third book I would read on union (start with Gaffin, perhaps? or Calvin), but it was worth my time. Sanders is an excellent theologian who deserves the church's support.

[Derrick Kenyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I love Fred’s writing and this book is no exception. While many books bring the doctrine of union with Christ down to describe the benefits of salvation for the believer, Sanders takes us up to contemplate the Triune God. Moving from the unity of the believer to Christ, to the unity of the two natures of Christ, to the unity of the three persons of the Trinity, Sanders beautifully shows how the believer is caught up into union and communion with the Triune God through the Son by the Spirit. Thus before we consider God’s present work in our life, we must first contemplate the Triune God and the incarnate Son. Gospels then Epistles. “Christ” before considering being “in Christ.” From this foundation, Fred draws on many great thinkers in the church to make wonderful applications for soteriology and the Christian life. I highly recommend. Will probably be a top 5 book for me this year.

[Matt Pitts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sanders writes with exceptional clarity, depth, and breadth. He engaged authors and works that were brand new to me, but once he introduced them I couldn't believe I hadn't read them and wanted to dive into their works as well.

I loved the emphasis on union with Christ as the essential heart of salvation affirmed by all Christians. We are saved because we are 'in Christ' as Paul affirms again and again. This mystery is not easy to expound, but Sanders is an exceptional guide who will make you eager to talk about union with Christ more and more.

[Matt Pugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good book. Sanders made a heady topic easy to read and understand. Some helpful ways of understanding and communicating union with Christ. A good bit of historical theology, he drew from many previous theologians. Only reason it’s not five stars is that it seemed disjointed to me at times. I would have liked more focus on the book’s proposed theme, tying it all together.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5. Some excellent insights here, but I found the method in the latter half of the book of basically describing what a number of authors have said about the topic, not completely satisfying. Needed more exegetical depth.