I Am Crucified

“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.” Gal. 2:20. Because we don’t live any more, we no longer live for ourselves! 2 Cor. 5:15. We now live for Him and for the others! This, indeed, is the heart of Christianity, the firm foundation of faith in Christ. Until this becomes true in a person’s life, he will suffer continual defeat and failure. As long as we live for ourselves, misery will result, because in us, that is, in our flesh, dwells no good thing. No one can manage to follow in the steps of Christ, do the will of God, and keep His commandments on his own.

Everyone’s flesh is totally depraved, irreparable, helpless, and impossible. The more we try to do good, the more we discover that it is hopeless. What are we to do with a man who is thoroughly corrupt and incorrigible? When we recognize and acknowledge that this is our state, it brings us into need and causes us sorrow. Thus God is able to open our eyes to see that we were crucified with Christ; not only was our certificate of debt (Col. 2:14) nailed to the cross, but also the debtor himself! Rom. 6:6.

This was included in the work of Christ; the Father reckons it to be so, and it is so. Most people have never seen or experienced this. They have never come to the place where they can say in truth, like Paul, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live.” We cannot and certainly should not say this if we do not live a victorious life.

For instance, if I am offended, angry, or worried and then say that it is no longer I who live. but it is Christ who lives in me, then I am saying that it is Christ who sins—which would be blasphemous! Who lives a thoroughly victorious life in this world? Everyone who, by faith, is crucified with Christ; everyone who does not live for himself anymore.

This, dear reader, is the position of faith that we must take; and once we have received grace to take this position, it is vital that we are not moved away from it. These are great and unfathomable things! Nevertheless, God is also great, and His name is Wonderful! He, who in His mercy decided that it was good to call us to something so great, will Himself do this mighty work in us. 1 Thess. 5:23-24.