Crucified With Christ: Its Meaning and Significance

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Do you fully understand what it means to be “crucified with Christ”? Let’s delve into the powerful meaning of this phrase and learn 3 significant truths from Galatians 2:20.

Scripture declares,I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

Galatians 2:20 CSB

Meaning of Crucified with Christ

The phrase “crucified with Christ” means that we die to our old way of life when we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. We are spiritually reborn and made new through the Spirit (John 3:3-6).  The old is gone and the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17). This means my past no longer defines me, for I have a new identity in Christ. Instead of living for myself, I now live for Jesus Christ. 

A symbolic profession to live for Jesus is water baptism. In baptism, we publicly identify with Jesus Christ in His death and resurrection, proclaiming our death to sin and new life in Christ (Romans 6:11, Colossians 2:12). What a beautiful portrayal of what it means to be crucified with Christ!

1. No longer enslaved to sin

In addition, I am no longer enslaved to sin when I proclaim Jesus as my Lord (Romans 6:6). For Jesus bore my sin on the cross, canceling its power over me (Colossians 2:14). As a result, I am forgiven, set free from my sin and reconciled back to God (2 Corinthians 5:18).

2. Empowered by the Holy Spirit to live for Christ

The next part of our key verse states, “I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” When we are spiritually transformed, Christ makes His home in our hearts through the Holy Spirit.  It is the Holy Spirit who empowers us to live according to the will of God.

Even though we died to our old way of living, we still face temptation. It is a daily battle to crucify the passions and desires of our flesh in order to live in a manner pleasing to the Lord (Romans 6:12). But when we submit to the Holy Spirit, He empowers us to resist sinful desires (Galatians 5:16). At times, though, we may fail to obey the Spirit and yield to our flesh. When this happens, go to the Lord, repent of your sin, and you will be forgiven (I John 1:9).

3. Loved by God

Note our key verse also declares that “we live by faith in the Son of God who loved us and gave Himself for us”. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross demonstrated His extravagant love. He willingly suffered and endured the cross for us (Hebrews 12:2). Because of His love and sacrifice, we willingly choose to trust Jesus and live to please Him.

Scripture states that He has given us everything we need to live a godly life that pleases Him (2 Peter 1:3). We have the word of God to instruct us as well as the Holy Spirit living in us. 

To learn how to live for Christ, we renew our minds with the word of God. By doing so, we “may discern what is the good, pleasing and perfect will of God” (Romans 12:2). As we grow in our knowledge of the Lord and spend time communing with Him, we are transformed into His image by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

Pause and Reflect – Do I live like I am crucified with Christ?

Now that we understand the significance of the phrase “crucified with Christ”, let’s pause and consider the following: 

  • Am I living like I have been crucified with Christ? 
  • Can people tell I am a Christian by my words, actions and behavior? 
  • Does the way I live honor the Lord? 

Friend, because Jesus gave His life for us, let’s offer our lives as a living sacrifice, choosing to live each day for our Lord.

Father,

Thank You for sending Jesus to die for us and set us free from sin. We humbly submit our lives to You. 

Thank You for Your Spirit who empowers us to live in obedience. We choose to live by the Spirit, so we will not gratify the desires of our flesh. But when we disobey and come to You for forgiveness, You welcome us with open arms and wash us clean, remembering our sin no more. Thank You for Your forgiveness. Help us to live for You each day, making the most of the life You have given us. May our lives glorify You.

In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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