“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 (KJV)
“My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”– Galatians 2:20 (NLT)
“I have been crucified with Christ. My ego is no longer central. It is no longer important that I appear righteous before you or have your good opinion. I am no longer driven to impress God. Christ lives in me. The life you see me living is not mine, but it is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”– Galatians 2:20(MSG)
What Does Galatians 2:20 Mean?
This verse is an essential pillar of the Christian faith. Here, the Apostle Paul is expressing a profound truth about the believer’s new life in Christ. When we accept Jesus, it’s as if we die with Him on the cross. That old life filled with sin, fear, and uncertainty is over. Starting a new life means allowing Christ to take the lead in our hearts.
The phrase “I am crucified with Christ” highlights the idea that we share in Jesus’s death. Just as He died on the cross, we also put our old selves to death. We decide to surrender our fears, sins, and old ways of living. Then, we read, “nevertheless I live.” This isn’t a contradiction but shows how, though our old self is gone, we are now alive through Christ.
Galatians 2:20 Explanation and Commentary
In the context of Paul’s letter to the Galatians, he was addressing issues regarding justification and the role of faith. He stresses that our righteousness and relationship with God do not stem from following the law but are achieved through faith in Christ. In this way, when Paul says that he lives “by the faith of the Son of God,” he puts emphasis on having faith in Jesus as the one who redeems us and leads us into a new life.
When we look at the phrase “it is no longer I who live, but Christ” we can understand just how profound that is. Christ now resides in us, guiding us, inspiring us, and Living through us. This shift in our identity is powerful and wonderful. Ultimately, we’re called to reflect the love and character of Jesus in our actions and thoughts.
Our lives become testimonies of His redeeming work. No longer do we strive to attain worthiness; instead, we find our worth in His love. This relationship is not one of a strict set of rules, but rather a loving connection with our Savior who gave His life for each of us.
Context of Galatians 2:20
To fully grasp the significance of Galatians 2:20, understanding its context within the entire book of Galatians will enrich our interpretation. Paul wrote this letter to respond to false teachings emerging in the early church, particularly concerning the law and grace. Some were insisting that following Jewish law was essential for salvation, thus challenging the gospel’s core message of grace through faith.
In this chapter, Paul reminds us that our salvation is not based on what we do but on what Christ has done. His death and resurrection are what change our lives. The struggles between law and grace are central to this letter, emphasizing reliance on faith rather than works. This call for a relationship over ritual practices transforms how we see God’s interaction with humanity.
Paul offers a personal testimony as a former Pharisee who zealously followed the law, only to find that true life and transformation came through faith in Christ. His words encourage us to embrace this relationship too and understand that our true identity lies in being children of God, not in our past failures or adherence to the law.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Galatians 2:20
Let us explore some key parts of this inspiring verse. The opening declaration “I am crucified with Christ” sets the groundwork for understanding the depth of sacrifice that Jesus made for us. When we think about being crucified, it symbolizes death, pain, and surrender; this is something most often associated with fear or reluctance. However, there is a powerful truth that surrounds it: our old selves are gone, and that is a good thing. This is a cause for celebration and joy!
Next, consider the statement “nevertheless I live.” This gives us hope! We may face death in one area of our lives, but we are alive through Christ. Our new life is empowered by the Holy Spirit, enabling us to experience joy, peace, and purpose. We do not have to remain tied to our past; instead, we can live with freedom and grace.
When Paul mentions Christ living in him, this gives us the extraordinary truth that as believers, we house the very presence of God within us. This makes all the difference in how we approach each day. We are not left to navigate life’s challenges alone, but rather we are guided by Jesus Himself. This companionship gives us strength amidst uncertainty and courage in the face of fear.
Lessons to Learn From Galatians 2:20
As we reflect on Galatians 2:20, we discover several meaningful lessons that are relevant to our everyday lives. The first lesson is about surrender. To live by faith means we acknowledge that we cannot do everything on our own. We must learn to release control and allow God to take charge. This requires humility and trust.
Another significant lesson is the power of identity in Christ. Knowing that we are “in Christ” allows us to dismiss feelings of guilt, shame, and unworthiness. Instead, our focus shifts to God’s grace and the love He has for us. This truth can change our lives profoundly, influencing our decision-making and relationships.
As part of living in Christ, we also recognize our purpose. Each day, we have the opportunity to reflect His love, share the goodness of the gospel, and encourage others through our actions. By incorporating our faith into daily life, we start to see how God can use us uniquely.
Final Thoughts
Galatians 2:20 is a powerful reminder of the transformational power of Jesus in our lives. It calls us to live authentically in our faith, embracing our identity in Him. This verse challenges us to reflect on our spiritual journey and encourages us to continue seeking Him in all aspects of our lives.
As we grow in faith, let us take time to explore further aspects of God’s Word. There are enriching topics to cover, like our responsibilities as members of the body of Christ, the love expressed in 1 Corinthians 13:13, or understanding the life-changing events described in 1 Samuel 20:1. Let’s actively seek Him as He leads us through our unique journey of faith together.