Crucified with Christ

Galatians 2:1-21

Consider the following statements from Galatians 2:20.

1. "I have been crucified with Christ."
2. "Christ lives in me."
3. "I live by faith in the Son of God."

The first assertion is the most difficult to understand. What does it mean to be crucified with Christ? When he died on the cross, Paul died with Him. But the apostle who wrote those words was very much alive. What did he mean?

To the church at Rome he wrote, "Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin." Romans 6:6. This was a completed action in time past. This speaks of our identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul writes that God has "raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus." Ephesians 2:6.

As believers we are found to be in Christ. That's our position or standing before God. We are accepted in Him. You can't get any closer to God than you are in Jesus Christ. But here in Galatians 2:20 we learn that Christ lives in us. We are in Him; He is in us. You should know "the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints." This mystery is "Christ in you, the hope of glory." Colossians 1:26, 27.

Paul asked the Corinthians, "Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?" 2 Corinthians 13:5. He lives in us by His Spirit. He who has the Son has life.

How did Paul live the Christian life? He didn't live it by trying to keep the law of Moses, even though he had been a zealous Pharisee. He said, "The life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me." He lived by faith in Christ.

This is no secret or mystery. To the Colossians Paul wrote, "As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him." Colossians 2:6. How did you receive Him? You received Him by faith. See John 1:12. Now walk in Him by faith.

Lord, help us to live by faith in the light of Your Word. Live out Your life through us. Thank You for the victory that is ours through You. Increase our faith. In Jesus' name. Amen!

The Seed of Abraham - Galatians 3

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