Introduction
Galatians 2:20 (NKJV) says, “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.”
Many struggle to articulate who a Christian truly is. Often, we define a Christian as someone who attends church, reads the Bible, gives to charity, serves in church, or lives a good life.
However, these actions alone do not define a Christian, just as being in a garage does not make one a car or bicycle.
“A Christian is someone who has died with Christ, shedding their sinful nature, and now lives in Christ, embracing His righteousness.”
This profound transformation can be understood through two key aspects: identity and character.
1. Identity: Who Are You?
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me…”
A. Old Man: ‘I Have Been Crucified with Christ’
When Christ died, we died with Him, along with our sins. He took our place to spare us from the wrath of God. Galatians 5:24 states, “And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” This signifies the end of our old, sinful selves.
Colossians 2:12 further explains, “Buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.” Our baptism symbolizes this death and resurrection.
B. New Man: ‘It Is No Longer I Who Live, But Christ Lives in Me’
In our union with Christ Jesus, we are resurrected with Him. Philippians 2:12-13 encourages us to “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.”
This means we are continually being transformed into His likeness. Galatians 4:19 emphasizes this process: “My little children, for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you.”
2. Character: How Do You Live?
“…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.”
A. Life: ‘The Life Which I Now Live in the Flesh’
Although we still walk in the flesh, our conduct is not dictated by it. As II Corinthians 10:3 (NKJV) states, “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh.”
Our earthly life is now governed by spiritual principles.
B. Faith: ‘I Live by Faith in the Son of God’
Living by faith is central to the Christian life. Romans 1:16-17 (NKJV) declares, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes… For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘The just shall live by faith.’”
This faith is our guiding principle, transcending sight and circumstances.
C. Love: ‘Who Loved Me and Gave Himself for Me’
Our faith is rooted in Christ’s love. Romans 5:8 (NKJV) proclaims, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Galatians 1:3-4 (NKJV) further underscores this love: “Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age.”
We live by faith because of the profound love of God that redeemed us.
Conclusion
II Corinthians 5:16-20 (NKJV) calls us to live as ambassadors for Christ. “Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh…
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” This new identity and character empower us to represent Christ faithfully.
Living the crucified life means embracing our identity in Christ, living out His character, and being motivated by His love.
As ambassadors of Christ, we must reflect His transformative power and share the message of reconciliation with the world.
In doing so, we fulfill our divine calling and live a life that truly honors God.
What have you learnt to walk with Christ? Share with us.
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