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 participatory 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

160 pages, Hardcover

Published August 19, 2025

About the author

Fred Sanders is professor of theology at Biola University's Torrey Honors College.

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.

[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.