THE CHRISTIAN’S IDENTITY IN CHRIST: A FRAMEWORK FOR ...

THE CHRISTIAN'S IDENTITY IN CHRIST: A FRAMEWORK FOR PASTORAL MINISTRY

by PAUL D. HAMILTON B.A., University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 1998

A THESIS Submitted to the faculty in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of

MASTER OF ARTS IN RELIGION at Reformed Theological Seminary

Charlotte, North Carolina July 2014

Accepted: _________________________________ Dr. Guy Waters, Project Advisor

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ABSTRACT This paper argues that the Apostle Paul's doctrine of Union with Christ is so central to the Christian's identity that, when rightly understood, it provides an excellent framework for the pastoral ministry. First, this paper demonstrates the centrality of union with Christ to Paul's theology by showing the primary place in which Paul placed union with Christ in redemptive history, discussing the federal headship of Adam and Christ and explaining the transition from being under the Law to being in Christ. Second, the scope of union with Christ in Paul's theology is discussed showing that the totality of the Christian's identity is impacted through his union with Christ, in that the old identity dies with Christ and a new identity lives in Christ. Third, the framework of Paul's doctrine of the Christian's identity in Christ is applied to the pastoral ministry. This framework is presented as a help for pastors to keep Christ at the center of every aspect of their work.

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To Kristy, the best of all the earthly blessings God has brought into my life. iv

CONTENTS

Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION................................................................................................. 1 2. THE CHRISTIAN'S IDENTITY IN CHRIST: THE PLACE IN REDEMPTIVE HISTORY ............................................................................................................. 7 In Adam/In Christ ............................................................................................. 8 Excursus: The Reformed View of the Covenants............................................. 13 Under the Law/In Christ.................................................................................. 19 3. THE CHRISTIAN'S IDENTITY IN CHRIST: THE SCOPE.............................. 28 A Whole God Salvation Accomplished ........................................................... 29 A Whole Person Salvation Effected ................................................................ 33 4. THE CHRISTIAN'S IDENTITY IN CHRIST: PASTORAL APPLICATION .... 47 The Pastor's Identity in Christ......................................................................... 49 The Christian's Identity in Christ .................................................................... 58 The Church's Identity in Christ ....................................................................... 86 5. CONCLUSION ................................................................................................... 99 BIBLIOGRAPHY ............................................................................................. 101

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