In the epistles of the apostle Paul, there are constant references to the idea of being “in Christ.” Being “in Christ” involves one being influenced by Christ, being obedient to the Gospel of Christ and being added to the body of Christ where one walks in the footsteps of Christ and lives in hope of eternal life with Christ. Paul would have us to know that Christ had influenced every aspect of his life. Nowhere is this more evident than when he wrote, “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” (Galatians 2:20). In this verse, we learn what Christ really meant to Paul.
First, Paul was crucified with Christ. He had not experienced physical death on a cross. However, Paul could identify with Christ’s death. (1) He had become dead to the Law of Moses (Galatians 2:19) in that it no longer had control over him. (2) He had died to the flesh. “And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts” (Galatians 5:24). (3) He had died to the world. “But 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” (Galatians 6:14).
Second, Paul was changed by Christ. He said, “nevertheless I live; yet not I…” Though crucified, he still lived. Then, notice the phrase, “yet not I.” Here Paul pointed to the change that had taken place in his life and the influence that Christ now had over him. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul declared, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” When Paul met Jesus, his life was completely and forever changed. Here is a life that went from “Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?” (Acts 9:4) to “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).
Third, Paul was controlled by Christ. He said, “but Christ liveth in me.” It was Paul’s life but Christ was at the controls. He allowed every aspect of his life to be directed by the Lord. In Colossians 3, Paul detailed how completely Christ controlled his life. (1) Christ controlled his mind. “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth” (v. 2). (2) Christ controlled his members. “Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry” (v. 5). (3) Christ controlled his morals. “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering…” (12-14). (4) Christ controlled his manners. “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts… Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly… And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (15-17).
Fourth, Paul was committed to Christ. He said, “And the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God.” Paul referred to his present life which he was “now” living as a Christian as opposed to his old life before his conversion. Not only was he saved by faith (Galatians 2:16), but he lived by faith in the Son of God. In Philippians 1:21, he declared, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Every aspect of Paul’s life was rooted in Christ.
Fifth, Paul was claimed by Christ. He said that Christ, “loved me, and gave himself for me.” Paul’s life was motivated by the love of Christ that was demonstrated by His vicarious death. Like all men, Paul was lost in sin, but Christ died that He might claim him for His own. “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise” (Galatians 3:27-29). To Timothy Paul said, “That Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am now chief” (1 Timothy 1:15).
By His death, Christ has claimed us for His own. Like Paul, we must allow Christ to influence every aspect of our lives!
