Hosea, and the Believer's Union with Christ

Lest we undervalue the OT, and deprive ourselves of its riches for us as NT believers, let us notice a beautiful proclamation of the believer’s union with Christ in - of all places - the prophet, Hosea:

Hosea 6:1–2 (CSB)

6 Come, let us return to the Lord.

For he has torn us,

and he will heal us;

he has wounded us,

and he will bind up our wounds.

2 He will revive us after two days,

and on the third day he will raise us up

so we can live in his presence.

Here is an example of a clear reference to Christ’s suffering, death, and resurrection. But the prophet calls the people to repentance, so they will receive healing and life from the LORD. This looks forward to the gospel proclamation that if we will repent and follow Christ, united with Him in his death, we are also united with Him in his resurrection (Rm 6:8; Col 3:3). What a privilege to understand this text from the NT perspective, and to realize our connection to those saints who looked forward to the finished work of Christ! We are all reconciled to God through our union with Him, raised up to live in His presence.