Mystic union with God (Christianity)

In the Christian mystical tradition this is described in three ways: (1) [Essentialization]

, the divine spark in every soul, part of the essence of God, one with him not only united to him. As man is perfected so this identification becomes more and more complete. (2) [Substitution]

, the corrupt and human will, life and spirit being replaced by the divine. (3) [Transformation]

, the entry of the divine transforming the human and making it more fit to receive the divine which enters in ever-increasing fullness.

François Fénelon also describes three ways: (1) [Intellectual union]

, an idea of internal, spiritual origin making God known as being without form. (2) [Affectionate union]

, when the soul is united with God in love with nothing intervening as it loves Him for His own sake. (3) [Practical union]

, when the soul does the will of God not by simply following a prescribed form but from the impulse of holy love.