Understanding the Spiritual Significance of Being Crucified with Christ

The concept of being crucified with Christ is one of the most profound teachings within Christianity, revealing the transformative power of understanding and living out faith in Jesus Christ. This phrase, found in Galatians 2:20, has a deep spiritual meaning that sets the groundwork for our transformation from non-believers to those who live for God.

The Spiritual Transformation Through Crucifixion

Old Self vs. New Self

Being crucified with Christ means denying the old self and fully embracing the new life in Christ. Our earthly life as non-believers is often characterized by sin, doubts, and rebellion against God. When we see Jesus crucified on our behalf, we acknowledge His sacrifice for our sins, and understand that through faith, our old self, which was prone to sin and rebellion, died with Him on the cross. This moment of spiritual death is mirrored in baptism, where we symbolically die with Christ and are reborn into a new life.

Biblical Context of Crucifixion with Christ

The Galatians passage emphasizes the idea of justification and sanctification. Justification is the point of initiation, where God declares us righteous by attributing Christ's righteousness to us.

Justification

When we turn to Christ and confess our sins, Christ's righteousness covers us, just as a robe covers someone naked. The Bible describes this process in Colossians 3:5:

Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire and covetousness, which is idolatry.

At this point, if God's investigative judgment were to occur, our lives would be declared pure because only Christ's righteousness would be counted against us. This is the principle of justification, a concept that emphasizes the immediate and complete forgiveness of sins through faith in Christ.

Sanctification

But being justified does not mean we are immune to sin. We still possess the flesh, and a constant battle against sin continues. The term sanctification refers to the ongoing process of being set apart for God's purposes. It involves the Holy Spirit working within us to resist sin and grow in godliness.

Paul explains this in 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.

Sanctification involves:

Inviting Christ to live within us Contacting the Holy Spirit Eradicating sin in our lives Deloging in the perfect law of God

Sanctification is a daily choice and process, not a one-time event. It requires purpose and commitment to Christ's will.

Wrestling with Sin

The struggle against sin is a constant battle, as highlighted in the life of Peter, who failed despite Christ's clear warnings and teachings. Yet, God's faithfulness and mercy remain. 1 John 1:9 assures us of the power of confession, believing that God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins:

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Ultimately, we are reminded that our righteousness is in Christ and not in ourselves. Any other righteousness is as filthy rags in God's sight, as stated in Isaiah 64:6.

Conclusion

The concept of being crucified with Christ is a profound call to transformation. It encompasses both the initial act of justification through faith and the ongoing process of sanctification through the power of the Holy Spirit. This journey is not about self-effort but about placing our trust in Christ and inviting Him to lead and transform our lives daily.