Crucified with Christ: Living in His Strength

To be “crucified with Christ” means that our old selves, controlled by sin and self-interest, have been put to death on the cross with Him. It signifies that the power of sin no longer controls us, and the old life no longer defines us. This death is not just a past event but a present reality for every believer and a daily choice to live in the freedom that Christ’s sacrifice has secured.

It does not stop at our crucifixion with Christ but moves to the hope of a resurrected life. “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” This is the heart of believers: the powerful presence of Christ. Our own strength or desires no longer drive the life we now live, but by Jesus, who empowers us to live according to His will. This divine exchange—our old life for His new life—transforms our hearts, our minds, and our actions. We are called to surrender fully, allowing Christ to reign in every area of our lives so that the world might see His life through us. It is through this union with Christ that we can fulfill His purposes on earth.

Finally, Galatians 2:20 emphasizes that this new life is fulfilled “by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” The foundation of a life led by Jesus is not our own effort or ability but faith in the One who loved us so much that He gave His life for us. Each day, we are invited to walk by faith, trusting in His love and grace and relying on His strength to carry out the life He’s called us to live. As we fix our eyes on Jesus, who gave Himself for us, we are empowered to live out the reality of our crucifixion with Him, joyfully surrendering our lives to His Lordship and living for His glory.

Your Call to Action

Consider what it truly means to be “crucified with Christ” in your own life. Take a moment to examine areas where the old self still lingers, whether in attitudes, habits, or desires that pull you away from Christ’s will. Invite the Holy Spirit to empower you to surrender those parts of your life fully to Him, remembering that your identity is no longer defined by your past struggles but by Christ living within you. Walk by faith today, trusting in His love and the strength He provides to live a life that reflects His grace. Let the reality of being crucified with Christ shape your decisions, relationships, and actions so that everything you do points to the glory of the One who loved you and gave Himself for you.

“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” (Romans 6:6).

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (Galatians 5:24).

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the incredible gift of salvation and Your sacrifice on the cross. I surrender my old self to You today, knowing that in You, I am made new. Help me to live each day by faith in Your love and strength, trusting that You are the One who empowers me to live for Your glory. Remove anything in me that hinders Your light from shining through, and fill me with the power of Your presence. May my thoughts, actions, and desires reflect Your love and grace, and may I continually walk in the new life You’ve given me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

A Comforting Closure

No matter what you face, Christ’s love and presence in you are greater than anything, and His strength will carry you through.

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