Leading New Testament theologian Grant Macaskill introduces Paul's understanding of the Christian life, which is grounded in the apostle's theology of union with Christ. The author shows that the exegetical foundations for a Christian moral theology emerge from the idea of union with Christ. Macaskill covers various aspects of Christian moral theology, exploring key implications for the Christian life of the New Testament idea of participatory union as they unfold in Paul's Letters. In this volume, leading New Testament theologian Grant Macaskill introduces Paul's understanding of the Christian life, which is grounded in the apostle's theology of union with Christ. If Christian identity and the theological concept of the person are defined on the basis of union with Christ, what does this mean for how we act and live in the economy of redemption? Macaskill explores key implications for the Christian life of the New Testament idea of participatory union: union with Christ and Christian identity, Eucharistic memory as participation in Christ, the Holy Spirit and the presence of Christ in the Christian life, and hope as a virtue of Christian moral action. Throughout, Macaskill shows how the exegetical foundations for a Christian moral theology emerge from the idea of union with Christ as it unfolds in Paul's Letters. From the Preface This book is an exercise in the practical theological interpretation of Paul's Epistles. It involves careful exegesis of a number of passages in critical dialogue with the work of other biblical scholars, but its purpose is not simply to gain a better understanding of Paul's thought in its historical context, which is how biblical scholars often conceive of their task. Rather, it is ultimately oriented toward asking a practical theological question: As Christians who are committed to seeing Scripture as normative for our thought and practice, how then must we think and act today? "A truly fresh and invigorating account of life in union with Christ" "Participation in Christ is at the heart of Paul's theology, but it is difficult to understand and easy to neglect in practice. Macaskill challenges us to take it fully seriously in our Christian lives as well as in our theology, making his case with exegetical care and spiritual wisdom." -- Richard Bauckham , University of St. Andrews (emeritus) "Here is true practical theological interpretation, sourced by careful exegesis, nourished by prayerful theological wisdom, and issuing in a truly fresh and invigorating account of life in union with Christ. This book is a wellspring of pastoral insight for all who are thirsty for Paul's gospel. Drink deeply from this well!" -- Susan Eastman , Duke Divinity School "This is a stimulating exploration of the significance of Paul's theology of union with Christ for Christian formation and faithful discipleship. Drawing deeply on his own Reformed tradition, Macaskill proves himself to be both an ardent churchman and a master of practical theological interpretation of Paul's Letters." -- Joel B. Green , Fuller Theological Seminary "Macaskill gives a lucid and insightful account of key texts in the apostle Paul's dynamic theology of union with Christ by the Spirit. Macaskill combines the sharp expertise of a New Testament scholar with a warm pastoral heart in this incisive work, setting forth a theological and practical portrait of Paul's vision of the Christian life and correcting common misconstruals that dampen the extraordinary power of Paul's teaching. I warmly commend Living in Union with Christ to pastors, students, and others who seek to recover Paul's life-changing message of union with Christ in the church today." -- J. Todd Billings , Western Theological Seminary, Holland, Michigan Grant Macaskill (PhD, University of St. Andrews) is Kirby Laing Chair of New Testament Exegesis at the University of Aberdeen in Aberdeen, Scotland. He previously served as senior lecturer in New Testament at the University of St. Andrews. Macaskill is the author of several books, including Union with Christ in the New Testament , The New Testament and Intellectual Humility , and Autism and the Church.