Crucified With Christ
Galatians 2:20 encapsulates a profound truth about the Christian life—our identification with Christ in His death and resurrection. This article explores the significance of this verse in light of other biblical passages, illustrating how it harmonises with core themes of salvation and discipleship found throughout Scripture.
Galatians 2:20 - “I have been crucified with Christ; 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 for me.”
1. Crucified with Christ: Union with Him
Paul’s declaration of being “crucified with Christ” echoes the profound truth of our spiritual union with Jesus. In Romans 6:6, Paul explains that our old self was crucified with Christ so that we might no longer be enslaved to sin. This union signifies our identification with Christ’s death, where the power of sin over our lives is broken, paving the way for newness of life (Romans 6:4).
2. No Longer I, but Christ Lives in Me
The transformational aspect of Galatians 2:20 mirrors the teaching of 2 Corinthians 5:17, where Paul describes believers as new creations in Christ. Through faith, our lives are no longer characterized by our old sinful nature but by Christ living in us through the Holy Spirit. This indwelling presence empowers us to live victoriously over sin and to bear the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
3. Living by Faith in the Son of God
The phrase “the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God” emphasises the centrality of faith in the Christian walk. Hebrews 11:6 underscores the necessity of faith, declaring that without it, it is impossible to please God. Our daily lives are to be marked by dependence on Christ, trusting in His finished work on the cross and His ongoing work in our lives through the Spirit.
4. Christ’s Love Demonstrated at the Cross
Galatians 2:20 culminates with a reminder of Christ’s sacrificial love—“who loved me and gave Himself for me.” This love is central to the gospel message, as John 3:16 proclaims that God so loved the world that He gave His only Son. Christ’s selfless act on the cross demonstrates the depth of His love for us and motivates our response of love and devotion to Him (1 John 4:9-11).
Implications for Believers Today
Galatians 2:20 challenges believers to live out their identity in Christ daily. It calls us to embrace our crucifixion with Him, renouncing our former way of life, and allowing Christ to live His life through us. This verse inspires a life of faith and surrender, rooted in the unending love of God displayed through Christ’s sacrifice.
In conclusion, Galatians 2:20 offers a profound meditation on the believer’s union with Christ and the transformative power of His love. By exploring this verse alongside other biblical passages, we gain a richer understanding of its significance within the broader narrative of Scripture. May Galatians 2:20 inspire us to walk in the reality of our crucifixion with Christ and to live by faith in His redeeming work, empowered by His indwelling Spirit.
