If we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection. (Romans 6:5)
If we (believing sinners) were united with Christ in His death, then it logically follows that we are/will be united with Him in His resurrection. If we are united with Christ in His resurrection, then we are united with Him in His life. If we are united with Him in His resurrected life, then we will be united with Him in His glory. What a glorious path is ours!
United with Christ in His resurrection we have conquered death with Him. We have overcome the separation from Life that our sinfulness deserves. Paul expressed his desire: “…that I may know…the power of His resurrection….” It is through that power alone that the enslaving grip of the sinful nature is cast off and a new nature takes root – a nature that is born of God – of incorruptible seed.
United with Christ in His life we are able to walk in newness of life. The old self-preeminent nature has been rendered powerless; the new restored image of God is now under development in the believer. We can practically realize this when we affirm in our lives the surrendered words: it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. That speaks of all the benefits and fruit of a branch grafted into the fruit tree. The Father has made us alive together with Christ. That is intimate, vital connection with the One who is Life (he who has the Son has life). So, when Paul says to the Colossians, you have died, it is the same as when he says to the Corinthians, “…that those who live should no longer live for themselves.” Christ’s life is devoted to His Father. As we abide in Him, so is our life devoted to reflect His character and take an active role in His purpose.
United with Christ in His glory is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s plan of redemption. We were created by Him, and for Him, to be drawn into perfect fellowship and communion with Him. The glory that will be revealed in us is the revealing of the sons of God – the complete redemption of the whole person, body and soul. It is that glory of which John speaks: “…we shall be like Him for we shall see Him as He is.” John also recorded in Christ’s high-priestly prayer: “The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one.” Our glory will be our fulfillment in Christ, when we will be perfectly like Him and perpetually with Him.