We Have Been Crucified with Christ

Note from today’s Bible reading: Galatians 1-2

One of the more well-known statements in Paul’s letter to the churches of Galatia is about how he had been “crucified with Christ.” Paul wrote, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me” (Galatians 2:20).

All believers – and many non-believers – remember that the Bible described Jesus as being crucified on the cross. As Paul said in the statement above, He offered His life because He “loved” us.

However, Jesus’ crucifixion is not just something He did for us; it also suggests something that He requires of us. We are to be crucified with Christ and surrender our lives to Him. We are to live as though Christ was living in us rather than simply living for ourselves. We are to live by faith in Jesus as the Son of God rather than living as if His will has no impact on our lives. This is a high standard, yet it should be the natural response to God’s grace which was seen in the death of Christ for us.

So remember that we have been crucified with Christ. We must be able to echo the words of the apostle and conduct our lives in such a way that it is as if Christ was living through us. Jesus loved us and gave His life for us; we must show our love for Him by giving our lives to Him.