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"I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

Galatians 2:20

As believers, we now have a different perspective: the old things we used to love should no longer attract us; our hearts now yearn for things that God loves. Our mindset changes, and so do our actions. Therefore, our good works are now a reflection of the change that took place in our hearts. We’re slowly becoming less of our old selves and more like Jesus. This process is called sanctification—God is making us more like His Son.

In today's verse, Paul vividly explains how God is sanctifying him. He reiterates that a person is justified by faith and not by the works of the law. False teachers snuck into the Galatian church and added elements to the gospel, i.e., circumcision. Paul clarifies that Christ physically died, was buried, and resurrected so that believers might spiritually die to sin and live for God. This truth demands faith.

Paul explains that he no longer lives, which means the old self-righteous Saul of Tarsus died, and the risen Christ now lives in Paul. He no longer lives by his strength because Christ now takes residence in his life. Paul's case is not unique; the same is true of every believer.

We were supposed to pay for our sins, but we couldn't. We didn't have the means to pay for them. But Jesus paid the penalty of our sins by willfully giving up His life on the Cross. Therefore, by believing in what Jesus had accomplished, we already died to the Mosaic Law. We don't have to adhere to it.

Does this mean that Christ automatically operates in our life? No. We needed faith to be born again, so we need the same faith to be made like Christ. This faith rests in the truth that Jesus loved us and gave Himself for us. In other words, because we believe that Jesus died for us and began our spiritual journey, we also believe that He will finish what He started (Philippians 1:6).

Being crucified with Christ means making Him our top priority. He won't share His throne with anyone. That's why we have to commit to following Him, serving Him, and never looking back (Luke 9:62).

Living under God's grace through faith is the only way of life that pleases God. Self-righteousness has no place in His Kingdom. We can't go back to our former way of life. We have to keep moving forward in faith. 

So, trusting Jesus sets us free, and trusting Jesus keeps us free.

Pursue the Saviour today!