Union with Christ is a Vital Doctrine - Edmund Fong, Michael Horton, Adam Smith | Theo Global

Dr. Edmund Fong (Singapore), Academic Dean at Trinity Theological College, joins Theo Global's Michael Horton and Adam Smith to discuss the doctrines of Union with Christ and Justification. Dr. Fong unpacks Union with Christ as the summational theme that grounds justification, sanctification, and adoption. He describes as an architectural "house" containing various "rooms" like justification, sanctification, and adoption. He argues that while justification serves as the essential entrance or "living room" of salvation, it should not be conflated with the other transformative benefits of faith. Drawing on pastoral implications and cultural dimensions, such as shame and honor, Dr. Fong highlights the ongoing relevance of these doctrines for the global church. Ultimately, the dialogue emphasizes that maintaining a precise definition of justification protects the church from the pastoral dangers of both legalism and antinomianism. Rev. Dr. Edmund Fong is Academic Dean and Lecturer in Systematic Theology, Biblical Hermeneutics and Presbyterianism at Trinity Theological College, Singapore. He is also an ordained Presbyterian Minister with The Presbyterian Church in Singapore.  03:59 Discussion on justification and its frameworks 08:25 Understanding Union with Christ, for balanced pastoral care 10:07 Connecting justification, sanctification, and faith's role 14:12 Guilt and shame 18:43 Balancing familiar spaces with new exploration PROPHET, PRIEST, AND KING - https://solamedia.org/theologytogether/ Get your copy of the first release of Theology Together, a five-volume theology series created in partnership with Zondervan featuring leading theologians from across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. THEO GLOBAL  Theo Global annual symposiums gather brothers and sisters who teach theology in more than 70 seminaries and Bible colleges around the world. Our annual events include South Asia, East Africa, and the Middle East. We are working to expand to Southeast Asia and Latin America in the near future. https://solamedia.org/theoglobal/ FOLLOW US Newsletter: https://solamedia.org/subscribe/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/solamediaorg/ X/Twitter https://x.com/solamediaorg  Facebook https://www.facebook.com/solamediaorg/ WHO WE ARE Sola is home to White Horse Inn, Core Christianity, Modern Reformation, and Theo Global. Our mission is to serve today’s global church by producing resources for reformation grounded in the historic Christian faith. Our vision is to see reformation in hearts, homes, and churches around the world. https://solamedia.org/