Partakers of Christ: Union with Christ in Hebrews

Abstract

Hebrews describes a participatory relationship between Christ and believers that coheres with union with Christ as found elsewhere in the New Testament. Believers are partakers in Christ who share in Christ's identity, narrative, and salvific benefits. Although scholars typically dismiss any connection between Hebrews and union with Christ, Hebrews does contain participatory vocabulary and themes and shares participatory metaphors with Paul (most notably adoption). Further, the broad complex of theological characteristics that give union with Christ its particular shape and nature in Paul and John is also evident in Hebrews’ articulation of the participatory relationship between Christ and believers.