I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

Picture a man describing his own life as one joined, heart and soul, to the cross of Christ—a life both ended and begun at once (Galatians 2:20). He’s not speaking of a literal death, nails and wood, but of a deeper unity: Jesus took his place, bearing all the weight of his wrongdoing, so that everything old and sinful was crucified with Christ (Romans 6:6). Through that, all his failures and guilt were put to death—never again to rule or condemn him (Colossians 2:13–14). In this way, being “crucified with Christ” is a truth for every believer, not just an apostle or a thief beside Jesus, but for all who trust Him. The old self is gone; the world’s grip is broken (Galatians 6:14), and what remains is the promise that sin has no final say.

Yet, though he says, “I have died,” he immediately adds, “I live”—a paradox at the heart of Christian faith. He’s not talking about mere physical existence or survival, but a brand-new spiritual life. This life is not achieved by effort or earned by law, but is received by trusting Christ and depending on His Spirit (Romans 8:2; 2 Corinthians 5:17). In every joy and trial, Christ Himself is alive within—directing, sustaining, and bringing comfort. The strongest evidence of faith is not what we boast of or achieve, but the indwelling presence and transforming power of Jesus Himself.

Notice, too, the shift in identity: “Not I, but Christ lives in me.” This is more than new habits or opinions. It is nothing short of a radical change—a former persecutor now gentle, a self-righteous man now humble, all because he is a “new creation.” Every good thing springs from grace; every spiritual step is powered by Christ’s life within, not by personal strength (John 15:5).

In daily life, this means we walk not by feelings or performance, but by steady trust in the Son of God—who loves with an everlasting love and gave Himself for each of us, personally and freely (Ephesians 5:2; Titus 2:14). That love isn’t distant or general; it is near and proven at the cross. Hold fast to that truth: with Christ in you, there is always hope for today and forever.

Verses Referenced:

• Titus 2:14
• Galatians 2:20
• Romans 6:6
• Colossians 2:13-14
• Galatians 6:14
• Romans 8:2
• 2 Corinthians 5:17
• John 15:5
• Ephesians 5:2

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