Galatians
2:20 is a well-known passage with profound implications: “I have been crucified
with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live
in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself
for me.”
This
declaration of identity underscores the reality of all who have placed their
trust in the Son. We must understand what Paul meant in this passage and its
relevance in the 21st century.
First,
let’s consider the context. The book of Galatians emphasizes salvation by grace
through faith and rejects salvation by works. The argument extends beyond
justification and addresses the Christian way of life. The early church faced a
significant conflict as some Judaizers insisted that Gentile Christians must be
circumcised to be fully accepted by God (see Acts 15). Apparently, some Gentile
believers were succumbing to the pressure, prompting Paul to write this letter.
In chapter 2, Paul recounts his visit to Jerusalem to meet with the church
leaders. Following this, he confronts Peter for hypocrisy, and then comes
Galatians 2:20.
The
statement “Christ lives in me” holds profound theological significance. When we
are born again, we become united with Christ in His life, death, and
resurrection. Understanding our union with Jesus eliminates the need to rebuild
the old system of law-keeping. Paul describes this union in his letter to the
Romans:
Do
you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were
baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into
death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory
of the Father, we too may live a new life. For if we have been united with him
in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a
resurrection like his. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so
that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be
slaves to sin—because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.
Now
if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. For we know
that since Christ was raised from the dead, he cannot die again; death no
longer has mastery over him. The death he died, he died to sin once for all;
but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead
to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. (Romans 6:3–11)
Our
union with Christ resolves one objection people have to the concept of grace.
If we are declared righteous through faith in Christ rather than through
obedience to the law, does that mean we can cast off all moral restraints and
live however we want? After all, where sin increased, grace abounded even more
(Romans 5:20). The answer lies in our new identity, rooted in our union with
Christ. We identify with Him and live as He does, which means we live for God.
Moreover,
the Holy Spirit, sent by the Son, dwells within us. It is through the Spirit’s
supernatural connection that we are bound to Christ. Our lives are no longer
lived for ourselves; instead, we follow Christ under the influence of the
Spirit, bringing glory to the Father.
Our
identity in Christ also carries personal implications. Believing that Christ
lives in us means we represent Him here on earth, imperfect though we may be.
The expected result is a transformed lifestyle, thoughts, desires, character,
and goals. Even the way we approach daily activities like chores should change.
Consider the example of a young man who gets married. His status as a married
man naturally brings about changes in lifestyle, behavior, and attitude;
otherwise, there would be a disconnect between his actions and his new
situation. Similarly, a relationship with Jesus is transformative, affecting
every aspect of our lives. We become His students, learning and applying His
teachings. We love what He loves and hate what He hates. Becoming more like
Jesus is our ultimate objective (Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18; 1 John 2:6).
Learn from bible sources presented as it…..
Pt. Ramesh C koundal
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