“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.” – Galatians 2:20
How does the death of Jesus on the cross affect our lives today? The apostle Paul helps answer that question in the passage above. First, Christ’s death on the cross was personal to Paul. He said, “I have been crucified.” He found himself as the personal recipient of Jesus’ sacrifice for sin on the cross. Secondly, Christ’s death on the cross was powerful for Paul. You see, the cross gave Paul the ongoing power he needed to defeat sin in his own life. For you and I, Jesus’ sacrifice reminds us of the personal and powerful nature of the cross. It’s personal in that we are reminded of the love of God for us individually. It’s powerful in that when laid hold of by faith, His death reminds us that we too are dead to sin that so easily entangles us, allowing us to withstand temptation.
How often do you think about the cross of Jesus Christ and all that it represents to shape your life?
