What does it mean to have a vital union with Christ?

To have a vital union with Christ is to experience a personal relationship with Him. It is more than intellectual assent or doctrinal knowledge; it involves a heartfelt connection where the believer truly identifies with Him. This union provides the basis for our salvation and ongoing sanctification as we are incorporated into His life and work. As John Flavel noted, when God intends to fill a soul, He first makes it empty. This realization draws believers toward Christ as the source of their hope and ever-present help, leading to a transformative faith that manifests in their daily lives.