“Nothing is more central or basic than union or communion with Christ. . . . Union with Christ is really the central truth of the whole doctrine of salvation not only in its application but also in its once-for-all accomplishment in the finished work of Christ. Indeed the whole process of salvation has its origin in one phase of union with Christ and salvation has in view the realization of other phases of union with Christ. This can be readily seen if we remember that brief expression which is so common in the New Testament, namely, “in Christ.” It is that which is meant by “in Christ” that we have in mind when we speak of “Union with Christ.” It is apparent that Scripture applies the expression “in Christ” to much more than the application of redemption” (John Murray, Redemption: Accomplished and Applied, 161).