Crucified with Christ

Day 259: Galatians 2:17-21; 3:1-9

“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” - Galatians 2:20 ESV

C.H. Spurgeon, commenting on this verse, wrote, "I do not know a better epitome of Christian experience than this. This is the daily walk of a true child of God; if he lives after any other sort, then he does not live a Christian's life at all."

When we decided to follow Jesus -- when we believed, confessed His name, changed our minds, and were baptized -- here we see that we ourselves became a resting place for God's presence. We gave him complete control of our will and our bodies.

The Greek word Paul uses for flesh (sarx) here is elsewhere in his letters translated as sinful nature. Though we are in these bodies that are prone to sin, we need to know and believe it is possible also to live a life of faith. We are not doomed to fail; we are equipped to succeed.

How?

Jesus' love (pursuing us).

Jesus' sacrifice (saving us).

Jesus' presence (within us).