Crucified But Lives

by Hugh DeLong

"I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly" (Galatians 2:20-21).

After showing a ‘timeline’ of his life and proving that he did and could not have learned the gospel message from the other apostles, and that they, after knowing his teaching, gave him the right hand of fellowship (acknowledged him as inspired of God). He also withstood them (cp., Galatians 2:14: ‘to his (their) face") for they themselves were no longer living by what they had revealed!

Then, this great statement at the end of this chapter! He did what he had instructed us to do – crucify the old man! We are raised (in baptism) to walk in newness of life. There is to be a transformation of our character and a change in our worldview. No longer to live to ourselves, but "by faith (trust) in the Son of God."

Jesus gave himself up for us. He willingly died, died an insulting and humiliating death by crucifixion. Yet, he now lives for us as our High Priest and Mediator.

While this resolution to change can and does take place ‘immediately’ or quickly at our conversion, the process of transformation will take time and perseverance. We will continually adjust our thinking and actions as we learn more.

The good news is that God allows us this time to change. We will fall short many times, yet He desires to forgive. As we learn of any fault or shortcoming, we, with sorrow in our hearts at such, turn back. Through this, we are gradually but constantly being transformed. We don’t despair as we learn of such shortcomings, but we do turn to our loving God, who has promised to forgive us when we do. This is living by faith.

Does this describe your life with Jesus?