One of the most powerful declarations in Scripture is found in Galatians 2:20:
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
This verse encapsulates the essence of the Christian life. To be crucified with Christ means that our old self, with its sinful desires and worldly passions, has been put to death. It is a call to complete surrender, where our identity is no longer rooted in ourselves but in Jesus Christ.
Let’s explore what it truly means to be crucified with Christ and how this truth shapes our daily lives.
1. What Does It Mean to Be Crucified with Christ?
Crucifixion is a symbol of death. When Paul says, “I have been crucified with Christ,” he is not speaking of a physical death but a spiritual one. It means that through faith in Jesus, we are united with Him in His death, and our old sinful nature is put to death as well.
a) Death to the Old Self
Before salvation, we lived according to our sinful nature. We pursued selfish desires, lived for ourselves, and were spiritually dead. However, when we come to Christ, we die to that old way of life. Romans 6:6 says:
“We know that our old self was crucified with Him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.”
Sin no longer has control over us. The power it once had is broken because we are no longer the same person—we have been made new.
b) Death to Self-Will and Pride
To be crucified with Christ means surrendering our own will and desires to follow His. Jesus Himself said in Luke 9:23:
“If anyone would come after Me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.”
Dying to self means letting go of control, trusting God completely, and choosing His way over our own. It is a daily decision to put Christ first.
2. Christ Now Lives in Us
If we have died with Christ, what now? Paul tells us in Galatians 2:20:
“It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.”
This is the beauty of the Gospel—though we die to ourselves, we do not remain dead. We are raised to new life in Christ!
a) A New Identity in Christ
We no longer define ourselves by our past sins, mistakes, or achievements. Our identity is now rooted in Jesus. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says:
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
We are no longer slaves to sin, but children of God. Our lives are now about glorifying Him.
b) Christ Lives Through Us
Since Christ lives in us, our desires, thoughts, and actions should reflect Him. Colossians 3:3-4 declares:
“For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.”
We are vessels of His love, grace, and truth in the world. The more we surrender, the more His power is revealed through us.
3. Living by Faith in the Son of God
Paul concludes Galatians 2:20 by saying:
“The life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
Living by faith means trusting in Jesus daily, relying on His strength, and walking in obedience to His Word.
a) Faith Over Feelings
We don’t live based on emotions but by trusting God’s promises. Even in difficult times, we hold fast to His truth. 2 Corinthians 5:7 reminds us:
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
b) Faith in Christ’s Love
Paul emphasizes that Jesus “loved me and gave Himself for me.” The cross is the ultimate demonstration of God’s love. When we understand His sacrifice, our faith is strengthened, and we live in gratitude and devotion to Him.
4. How to Live as One Crucified with Christ
To walk in the reality of being crucified with Christ, we must:
✅ Deny Ourselves Daily
Make a conscious decision to put God’s will above our own. Luke 14:27: “Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.”
✅ Live in the Power of the Holy Spirit
We cannot live this life on our own strength. We need the Holy Spirit to guide and empower us. Galatians 5:16: “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”
✅ Fix Our Eyes on Jesus
Our focus must always be on Christ. Hebrews 12:2 tells us to: “fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith.”
Final Encouragement
To be crucified with Christ is not a burden—it is the greatest freedom! It means we are no longer bound by sin, fear, or the opinions of others. We are fully alive in Jesus, walking in His grace and power.
If you have accepted Christ, you have been crucified with Him. Now, live boldly in this truth, knowing that your life belongs to the One who gave Himself for you.
Closing Prayer
Abba Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You that I have been crucified with Christ. Thank You for setting me free from the power of sin and giving me new life in Your Son. Help me to walk daily in faith, surrendering my will to Yours. As it is written in Romans 6:11, “So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.” Lord, let my life reflect Your glory, and may Christ be seen in me. In the almighty name of Jesus, Amen.
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