In Paul's letter to the Galatians, we see him make a bold statement declaring, "I have been crucified with Christ!"
Galatians 2:20 KJVI 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.
This same statement has become a rhetoric in many Christian circles today. But did Paul make such a declaration just so we could pick it up and make it an anthem? I doubt that was his original intention.
If we take a closer look at the life of Apostle Paul, we will notice that he lived out this statement. Paul's lifestyle and ministry (as penned down in the holy scriptures) reflects that of a man who was truly crucified with Christ!
Untill this day, his footprints in the sands of Christianity are still very visible. His words are still impactful and held in high esteem. Apostle Paul is truly worth our emulation!
As Christians, "I have been crucified with Christ" shouldn't just be a sentence to recite, but a command to obey and live out. It is one of the major things we should strive for in our walk with God.
What Does It Mean To Be Crucified With Christ
To be crucified with Christ implies that we are completely sold out to Him. It means to be completely lost in Him. This is the standard and level of intimacy the Lord expects us to have with Him.
To be crucified with Christ means to live in tandem with the Lord to the extent our life exudes His very personality.
To be crucified with Christ means to be so saturated in Him to the point we become living epistles to the world. We can not become salts and lights to the world if we are not crucified with Christ.
How To Become Crucified with Christ
Before we can boldly proclaim that we are crucified with Christ, we must first of all be crucified to the things below.
1. Crucified to the world and its Attractions
Galatians 6:14 KJVBut God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
If we are still lovers of the things and ways of this world, then we are not yet crucified with Christ. We can not say that we are crucified with Christ when we still live the way everyone lives and do the things everyone does.
1 John 2:15 KJVLove not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
The lifestyle of a Christian should be different from that of everyone else. We can not be like the world and hope to save the world.
1 John 2:16 KJVFor all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
2. The Flesh Must Be Crucified
If the flesh (carnality) is still very much alive and active in us, we can not profess that we have been crucified with Christ.
Galatians 5:24 KJVAnd they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
The flesh will always cause us to live in disobedience towards God; and rebellion is not one of the traits of those who are crucified with Christ.
The flesh must be nailed to the cross and our life laid down on God's alter as a living sacrifice.
3. Self Must Be Crucified
Our self-will and ego must be laid down at the Lord's feet. Our will must be exchanged for His will.
Self always wants to chase after and acquire all the things of this world so as to have something to boast about.
Self seeks independence from God. It hates anything that has to do with submission to God.
When self is alive, disobeying God will become the order of the day. Therefore, self must be crucified!
Why We Must Be Crucified With Christ
Below are a few, out of the innumerable reasons why we must be crucified with Christ.
1. To Experience True Oneness With God
The major purpose for which the Father sent the Son to the world was to reconcile the world back to Himself. Our reconciliation to the Father is not complete if we are not crucified with Christ.
Becoming crucified with Christ purges from us every iota of rebellion (sin). If there still exists in our life any form of rebellion against God, then we are not completely reconciled to the Father.
2. To become Vessels of Honour, Ready for the Master's Use
When we are crucified with Christ, we become submitted and sanctified vessels, ready for the Lord's use.
2 Timothy 2:21 KJVIf a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.
3. To Gain Access to the Deep Things of God
Becoming crucified with Christ is fundamental to accessing the deep things of God—things that are beyond the reach of the average Christian.
4. To Truly Live Out the Christ-kind of Life
The term 'Christian' means being Christ-like. But not many Christians are yet living up to that standard. Becoming crucified with Christ transforms us into the very image and likeness of Jesus Christ.
Final Thoughts On Being Crucified With Christ
To be crucified with Christ goes way beyond what we should say. It is what we must live to do daily. Throughout the days of our life on earth, becoming more like Jesus Christ should be our top priority.
God bless you!
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