Crucified with Christ: The Transforming Power of Galatians 2:20

Crucified with Christ: The Transforming Power of Galatians 2:20

“I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” These words from Galatians 2:20 hold an invitation to step into a divine reality—a life transformed by faith, infused with grace, and empowered by the indwelling presence of Jesus Christ. At the heart of this verse is a call to embrace the cross not only as the place of salvation but also as the defining reality of a believer’s life.

Through this passage, Paul unveils the profound mystery of union with Christ: the death of the old self, the birth of a new identity, and the power to live victoriously through faith. This journey begins at the cross, but it does not end there. It is a continuous process of being shaped, refined, and transformed into the image of Christ. Let us explore the depth of this verse, step into its implications, and uncover the transformative power of being crucified with Christ.

The Cross: A Place of Death and New Life

The cross, in its historical context, was a symbol of shame, suffering, and death. Yet in God’s redemptive plan, it became the instrument of salvation, victory, and transformation. When Paul declares, “I have been crucified with Christ,” he is not merely describing an emotional or symbolic experience. He is speaking of a spiritual reality that has profound implications.

1. Participation in Christ’s Death To be crucified with Christ means that the believer’s old self—marked by sin, rebellion, and separation from God—has been put to death. Romans 6:6 reinforces this truth: “For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.” This crucifixion is not achieved by human effort but is a work of God’s grace. It is the moment when the power of sin is broken, and the believer is set free to live a new life.

2. Death to the Law Paul’s declaration also signifies a death to the law as the means of righteousness. In the preceding verses of Galatians 2, Paul argues that justification comes not by works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ (Galatians 2:16). The law’s demands are fulfilled in Christ, and its condemnation is absorbed by His sacrifice. For the believer, this means liberation from the burden of striving to earn God’s favor. It is a release into the freedom of grace.

3. The Exchange at the Cross The crucifixion of the old self is not the end of the story. At the cross, there is a divine exchange: our sin for Christ’s righteousness, our death for His life, our weakness for His strength. In this exchange, the believer is not only freed from sin but also united with Christ in His resurrection. This is the foundation of the new identity that Paul describes: “It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me.”

The Indwelling Christ: A New Identity

When Paul says, “Christ lives in me,” he introduces a radical shift in the believer’s understanding of self. The Christian life is not about self-improvement or moral effort; it is about Christ living His life through us. This truth transforms how we view ourselves, our purpose, and our source of strength.

1. A New Creation The believer’s union with Christ brings about a new identity. 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” This new creation is not an improved version of the old self but a completely new being. The life of Christ becomes the defining reality of the believer’s existence.

2. The Power of the Holy Spirit The indwelling Christ is made manifest through the Holy Spirit. Romans 8:9 affirms, “If anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, they do not belong to Christ.” The Holy Spirit empowers the believer to live out the life of Christ, providing guidance, strength, and the fruit of the Spirit. This indwelling presence is the source of victory over sin and the ability to reflect Christ’s character.

3. Identity and Purpose With Christ living in us, our identity is no longer rooted in our achievements, failures, or circumstances. Instead, it is anchored in the unchanging truth of who Christ is and what He has done. This identity also shapes our purpose. Galatians 2:20 emphasizes that the life we now live is not for ourselves but for the glory of the One who loved us and gave Himself for us.

Living by Faith: The Daily Walk

“The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God.” Here, Paul shifts from the theological to the practical, addressing the believer’s daily experience. The Christian life is not a one-time decision but an ongoing journey of faith, dependence, and obedience.

1. Faith as the Foundation Faith is not merely intellectual assent but a deep trust in Christ’s sufficiency. It is the recognition that we cannot live the Christian life in our own strength. Just as we are justified by faith, we are also sanctified by faith. Hebrews 11:6 reminds us that “without faith, it is impossible to please God.” This faith is not self-generated but is itself a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8).

2. Faith in the Son of God Paul specifically highlights faith in “the Son of God who loved me and gave Himself for me.” This is a personal and relational faith. It is grounded in the knowledge of Christ’s sacrificial love and His ongoing presence. The believer’s confidence comes not from abstract doctrine but from the reality of a Savior who knows them, loves them, and lives within them.

3. Faith Expressed in Action Living by faith does not mean passivity. James 2:17 reminds us that “faith without works is dead.” True faith manifests in a life of obedience, service, and love. It is the outworking of Christ’s life within us, as we align our actions with His character and purposes.

The Transforming Love of Christ

At the heart of Galatians 2:20 is the phrase, “the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” This love is the motivation for our crucifixion with Christ, the foundation of our faith, and the power behind our transformation.

1. A Personal Love Paul emphasizes the personal nature of Christ’s love: “who loved me.” This is not a generic or distant love but an intimate and specific love for each individual believer. Christ’s sacrifice was not merely for humanity as a whole but for each person He redeems. This personal love gives the believer confidence and security in their relationship with God.

2. A Sacrificial Love The cross is the ultimate expression of Christ’s love. Romans 5:8 declares, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” This sacrificial love is the basis for our salvation and the model for our own love for others. As we grasp the depth of Christ’s love, we are compelled to love as He loves.

3. A Transforming Love The love of Christ is not only a comfort but also a catalyst for change. 2 Corinthians 5:14 says, “For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.” His love moves us to surrender, obedience, and a life that reflects His character.

The Implications of Being Crucified with Christ

The truth of Galatians 2:20 is not merely theological—it is transformative. To be crucified with Christ reshapes every aspect of our lives.

1. Freedom from Sin Being crucified with Christ means that sin no longer has dominion over us. Romans 6:14 declares, “For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace.” This freedom is not an excuse for complacency but an empowerment to live in victory.

2. Radical Dependence The declaration, “It is no longer I who live,” calls us to radical dependence on Christ. This dependence is not a sign of weakness but a recognition of the sufficiency of His grace. As we yield to His life within us, we discover true strength.

3. A Life of Purpose The life we now live is not aimless but purposeful. We live for the glory of the One who gave Himself for us. This purpose infuses every moment with meaning, as we seek to reflect Christ in our relationships, work, and witness.

4. Hope in Suffering To be crucified with Christ also means sharing in His sufferings (Philippians 3:10). Yet, this suffering is not without hope. Just as Christ’s crucifixion led to resurrection, our trials are the pathway to glory. Romans 8:17 affirms, “If we share in his sufferings, we may also share in his glory.”

A Call to Transformation

Galatians 2:20 is more than a verse to memorize—it is a call to a transformed life. It invites us to die to ourselves, to live by faith, and to embrace the indwelling presence of Christ. It challenges us to rest in His love, rely on His power, and reflect His glory.

Have you been crucified with Christ? Is His life evident in you? These are not questions of perfection but of direction. The cross is not only the place of salvation but also the pathway to transformation. Step into the reality of Galatians 2:20, and let the life of Christ flow through you, bringing hope, healing, and purpose to a world in need.