“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” (Galatians 2:20)
In many countries, being a Christian is life-threatening. But in the verse above, Paul is referring to something else. He says that he has been crucified with Christ (Galatians 2:20). And this does not apply to him alone; he also tells fellow believers, “You have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:3)
The people to whom Paul wrote were, of course, still alive—as he was also. Paul was therefore not speaking about a physical death. To understand what he did mean, we must compare several Bible verses. In Romans 6:2 we read about believers who have “died to sin.” In Colossians 3:5, Paul urges his readers to put to death whatever is worldly in them. In Galatians 5:24, he speaks of crucifying the sinful nature with its passions and desires.
Paul is speaking about two realms: that of true life with God, and that of earthly life, which has been so deeply affected by sin that it can hardly be called life at all. That latter realm must disappear completely. Sin and corrupt passions must be eradicated at their roots — put to death — crucified. Only then is new life possible.
What do you think of Paul’s choice of words? Does it resonate with your own experience of faith?