There are many verses in the Bible that most people can quote off the top of their heads. Many of these verses are taught to children, and, at times, they are even put to the tune of a song to help engrave them in our memories. Galatians 2:20 is a very popular verse in the Bible and can be quoted by most. While this verse is often taught to children, this verse is still so very powerful in its meaning. It is applicable to all Christians of all ages.
First let us look at the last line of this verse, “ …who loved me and gave Himself for me.” As we read in John 3:16, the love of God was so great toward mankind that He sent His only Son to us. However, Jesus did more than just come to Earth. We read in Romans 5:8, “while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Jesus Christ came to earth and willingly died for all of our sins. He rose on the third day and is now in Heaven preparing a home for those who will obey Him. Before I give my life to Christ, it is important that I recognize what God has done for me and how lost I would be without Him.
Now, we come to the rest of Galatians 2:20. “I have been crucified with Christ…” As we look at this opening statement, I hope that we see the power in these few words. Upon our decision to give our lives to Christ, it is necessary for us to do away with our former selves. Here in Galatians, the death of one’s former self is described by the word “crucified.” To be crucified is to go through a very painful and certain death. Christ was crucified for the sins of the world. We, too, are to die to our former selves in the likeness of His death. We are buried with Him in baptism and rise to walk anew.
When we make the decision to follow Christ, we are not just deciding to give up our former selves, but we are also deciding to walk in the ways of the Lord. It is His life and not our own lives. As I live this life for God, I am to do so out of faith, fully submitting to God and His will.
The writer of Galatians, Paul, was a man who knew what it took to truly live for God. When we look at our lives today, can we truly say, “I have been crucified with Christ”?
