Galatians 2:20, "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me."

Every believer understands the necessity of the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Jesus died on the cross as my substitute, taking my sins upon Himself. It is through the avenue of faith in His death, burial, and resurrection that I came to know and experience Jesus as my Savior.  I received Him, and it was through this act that I was given the right and privilege to become His child (John 1:12). It is upon the foundation of Christ that I also am of the seed of Abraham (Galatians 3:29).

Any Christian who desires to grow in His walk with God must identify himself with Christ in the same manner expressed by the Apostle Paul in Galatians 2:20. Let's look at the content of this verse:

• "I am crucified with Christ" - The old Paul, and in my case, the old Mike is dead with Christ on His cross.  (Read Romans 6:6)

• "Nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me" - The very operation of my mind, emotions, and will are led, captivated by the Holy Spirit of God, who has quickened my spirit.  (Read Colossians 1:27)

• "The life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me" - The construction of this statement is better understood as living by faith in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.  (Read Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11, & Hebrews 10:38.) My faith has found a resting place, and that is in the Person of Jesus Christ, who loves me, and gave Himself for me.  

Matthew Henry, in his Concise Commentary, writes, "Here, in his own person, the apostle describes the spiritual or hidden life of a believer. The old man is crucified, but the new man is living; sin is mortified, and grace is quickened. He has the comforts and the triumphs of grace, yet that grace is not from himself, but from another. Believers see themselves living in a state of dependence on Christ. Hence it is, that though he lives in the flesh, yet he does not live after the flesh. Those who have true faith, live by that faith; and faith fastens upon Christ's giving himself for us. He loved me and gave himself for me."   

Take time today to consider the price of your redemption and allow Christ to live through you and in you.

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1. How do you need to identify with Christ?

2. How has Jesus demonstrated His love for you?

3. How can you be crucified with Christ?

4. How can you live for Christ?