In this Galatians 2:20 Devotional, we’ll discover how to be crucified with Christ and live a life that reflects the glory of the Lord. Galatians 2:20 is one of the most profound and transformative verses in the Bible. It challenges us to understand what it truly means to surrender our lives to the Risen Christ and embrace the newness of life He offers.
This is a favorite verse of mine for a reason. It’s all about Christ living in us! By the grace and love of Jesus, we’ve been set free from sin and shame. We no longer live, but Christ lives in us. Praise the name of Jesus and give glory to Him for what He’s done!
Living the Christian life is about total surrender to the Lord Jesus Christ, giving up control and allowing Him to guide us in every area. It’s about dying to our old habits and selfish desires, letting the Holy Spirit create a new heart within us. Through faith and trust in Christ, we can live with purpose, joy, and peace that only comes from knowing Him. So, let’s explore the meaning of this great verse, the practical ways it applies to our daily lives, and how it will transform our old life into a new way of living, all for the glory of the Lord.
What is the Meaning of Galatians 2:20?
The meaning of Galatians 2:20 is very simple. It’s the Apostle Paul’s defense of the Gospel of Jesus. Let’s read this powerful verse together, then we’ll examine the story behind it…
I have been crucified with Christ. 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 for me.
Galatians 2:20 NKJV
In order to die to our sinful selves, the works of the law, and “this present evil age” of the world, every Christian is crucified with Christ. The Bible calls this dying to self and it’s a spiritual death. Our physical body lives on after our salvation, however, the moment we give ourselves over to the resurrection power of Christ Jesus, He comes to live inside our hearts in the person of the Holy Spirit.
Faith is the one, and only path to redemption and eternal life. Our choice to live by faith in the Son of God is the secret sauce that allows us to be saved by grace. This is the Gospel message that Paul was defending in Galatians 2:20.
Now that we know the gist of this scripture, let’s dig deeper into the reason Paul was defending the Gospel, to begin with, and why its important in our lives today.
Understanding the Context of Galatians 2:20
To fully understand this scripture, we need to read it in the context of Galatians chapter 2, specifically Paul’s response to the false teachers who were influencing the Gentile believers in the city of Galatia. These teachers insisted that following the Old Testament works of the law, those given to Moses were necessary for salvation. However, the Apostle Paul firmly refuted this, emphasizing that the righteousness of God comes through faith in Christ Jesus, not by observing any law.
As Paul reaffirms in Galatians 2:16…
Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.
Galatians 2:16 NKJV
This verse underlines Paul’s argument that salvation is by grace through faith, not by human effort.
God had given Peter the mission of taking the Gospel to the Jews, and Paul to take it to the Gentiles. They were two sides of the same coin, working for the Kingdom of God and His glory, taking the Gospel message to the people they were to serve.
However, when Peter arrived in the city of Antioch, he and other influential Jewish Christians began pushing Jewish customs on Gentile believers. Paul confronted Peter’s hypocrisy, emphasizing that salvation comes through faith in Christ Jesus and God’s grace, not by following the works of the law.
This truth has profound implications for both Jewish and Gentile Christians. It reveals that salvation doesn’t depend on social status, obeying the Old Testament laws, or any effort on our part. It relies entirely on the grace of God and the work of Christ’s death and resurrection. It’s as important for us to understand this today as it was for the New Testament believers back then.
But what exactly does it mean to be crucified with Christ? Keep reading to find out…
The Death of the Old Self: What It Means to Be Crucified with Christ
Galatians 2:20 declares the death of the old self, our sinful nature and selfish ambitions, and the beginning of a new life in Christ. Paul describes this as the exchanged life, where our own life is replaced with the life of Christ, lived by the power of the Holy Spirit in us.
Being crucified with Christ goes beyond identifying with His physical suffering on the cross and His resurrection on the third day. It signifies the spiritual death of our old way of life, freeing us from the grip of sin. The death of Christ was the ultimate payment for the penalty of the law, breaking the chains of sin’s power and guilt over us.
Romans 6:6 echos this fact…
For 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 NIV
When we give our lives to Jesus and ask Him to save us, our sinful selves are nailed to the cross with Christ. This act symbolizes the end of our bondage to sinful desires and the beginning of our transformation. The old man or woman we once were becomes a new creation through the indwelling of Christ in our hearts. This transformation isn’t just a theological idea, it’s a life-changing reality that empowers us to die to sin and live for God’s glory.
In this new way of life, we experience freedom from the guilt of our sinful nature and receive a renewed heart, focused on pursuing righteousness. Being crucified with Christ calls us to reject the ways of this world and fully embrace the life He offers. It’s through this death of the old self that we’re empowered by the Holy Spirit to live as a new creation, bringing glory to God in all we do.
A New Identity in Christ
When we’re crucified with Christ, we receive a new identity in Him. This identity isn’t based on who we were or what we’ve done but on who Christ is and what He has accomplished for us. It’s a complete transformation that gives us a fresh start and a new purpose rooted in God’s love.
As 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares…
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
2 Corinthians 5:17 New King James Version
The life of Jesus, everything He did and said, shows us how to live the Christian life in a way that brings glory to Him. His example becomes the heartbeat of our existence, leading us away from the ways of this world and toward the will of God.
This transformation means releasing our reliance on our own strength and trusting fully in the power of Christ to sustain us. It’s about embracing the new love we find in Jesus, allowing His compassion and grace to shape how we treat others. As we walk in the new identity we have in Christ, we rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit, who provides wisdom and strength for every step of our journey.
For Christians, this new identity is a beautiful reminder that we’re part of God’s family, not because of the law’s demands, but through His unending grace. In this new spiritual life, we’re no longer defined by our past mistakes or the worldly influences around us, but by the freedom and purpose we now have in Christ Jesus.
Practical Ways to Live Crucified with Christ
Living a life crucified with Christ isn’t a one-time decision, it’s a daily commitment to align our hearts with God’s will. It means continually turning away from our sinful nature and choosing the path of obedience, humility, and love. This process requires us to be intentional, as we learn to rely on the leading of the Holy Spirit and the grace of God to transform our thoughts, actions, and priorities.
Here are a few practical ways to live out this transformation and experience the fullness of living with our precious Crucified Christ.
- Daily Surrender
Fully surrendering to a life of faith means letting go of selfish ambitions and trusting the Holy Spirit to guide our decisions. - Meditate on God’s Word
Paul’s story in the book of Galatians teaches us the importance of grounding our lives in scripture. Make it a priority to spend time reading the Bible each day, meditating on the truth of God’s love and grace. - Rely on the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit empowers us to overcome the sinful desires of our earthly body and embrace living as a new creature in Christ. Pray daily for the Spirit’s guidance and listen closely for His reply. - Serve Others in Love
Reflect the life of Christ by serving others with compassion and love, knowing it will be a powerful testimony to the grace of God. - Focus on Eternal Life
The eternal salvation we have in Christ Jesus shifts our perspective from the temporary things of earthly life to the joys of eternity.
God’s Hand in Our Transformation
The transformation we experience through being crucified with Christ is a beautiful display of God’s hand at work in our lives. He gently shapes us into the image of His Son, guiding us with the spirit of Christ as our strength.
As Philippians 1:6 reminds us…
And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.
Philippians 1:6 New Living Translation
This verse assures us that God is faithfully working in our lives, molding us to reflect His glory.
When we surrender to God, His hand leads us through life’s tough times, offering direction and comfort in every situation. Even in the hardest moments, His grace sustains us, His love strengthens us, and His mercy renews us. God’s hand is more than a just source of comfort, it’s also a powerful force of transformation, shaping our character and teaching us to walk in His ways. Like the Apostle Paul, we can boldly trust in God’s plan, knowing He’s equipping us to live for Him. This ongoing work of transformation is evidence of God’s faithfulness and His desire for us to grow in grace.
Read More:
-
Discover How to Be Known By God in this Devotional!
-
These Bible Verses for Faith in Hard Times will encourage you!
-
What does Him Who Knew No Sin Mean? Find out in this Bible Study!
The Life-Changing Truth of Galatians 2:20
The message of Galatians 2:20 reveals a life-changing truth for Christians, our old life and its sinful nature no longer control us. We’ve been transformed by the power of Christ, who now lives in us, guiding us to a new way of living.
As Romans 6:4 declares…
Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Romans 6:4 NKJV
This verse reinforces the reality that being crucified with Christ is more than just forgiveness, it’s a complete transformation. The death and resurrection of Christ give us the strength to leave behind the old way of life and embrace a new way of life in Him.
Through this transformation, the old man or woman is buried, and the life of Christ becomes the foundation of who we are. It’s not a temporary change but a lasting work of God, reminding us that we’ve been freed from the penalty of the law and given a divine purpose. In this newness of life, we find victory, confidence, and strength to walk in alignment with God’s will, living each day for His glory.
The Most Important Thing about Galatians 2:20
The most important thing we can take away from Galatians 2:20 is the call to fully embrace the life of Christ and live it out in our daily lives. This means making Jesus the center of everything we do, allowing His love and truth to guide our decisions and shape our priorities. It’s about surrendering our desires and ambitions to pursue His perfect will, trusting Him to lead us, even when the way forward seems hazy and it doesn’t make sense to us.
As Colossians 3:3 says…
Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
Colossians 3:2-3 NKJV
The Greek word for set in this verse emphasizes an ongoing decision, meaning that we must continually focus on heavenly things instead of the earthly ones. Because of our salvation, our lives are no longer controlled by this world. Instead, we’re firmly founded in the reality of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection.
We have a deep connection with our Savior. Our old life has passed, and we live each day with Him as our source of strength and purpose.
When we focus on living for Christ, His presence brings clarity and peace, transforming every part of who we are, our actions, thoughts, and relationships. This transformation is a daily journey of faith, requiring us to continually commit to walking in His footsteps and reflecting His love in everything we do.
Trusting in Jesus’ Name as the Source of Our Strength
For us to live a life crucified with Christ, we must rely on Jesus’ name as the foundation of our strength.
The Gospel of John reinforces this truth…
I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
John 15:5 NKJV
Jesus is the source of everything we need to live a fulfilled spiritual life. We can only thrive by remaining deeply connected to Him. If we abide in Him, trust in His power, and lean on Him daily, we’ll produce fruit that glorifies God. Trusting in Jesus and abiding in Him means recognizing that our own strength isn’t enough and we need His power to live out our faith. Whether we’re facing hard times, fear, or moments of doubt, we can be confident that our True Vine will see us through every challenge.
Letting Go of the Old Way and Embracing the New Way of Life
Letting go of the old way requires surrendering our sinful desires and stepping into the new way of life God has prepared for us.
Ephesians tells us…
that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.
Ephesians 4:22-24 NKJV
This renewal means leaving behind the habits, attitudes, and choices that once separated us from God. By embracing the new life He has given us, the Holy Spirit works within us, shaping us to reflect Christ and guiding us to live according to His purpose.
Living for the Glory of the Lord
Living for the glory of the Lord involves making His love visible in our actions and relationships.
Matthew 5:16 reminds us,
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16 NKJV
As we reflect the love of Christ, we become His hands and feet in the world, showing compassion, kindness, and grace to everyone around us. Doing good works in Jesus’ name honors God and shows His transforming power to others.
As we walk boldly with the Living Christ, we experience the joy of being fully alive in Him. Let’s praise God for the death of Jesus Christ and the life of faith we now have in Him, letting our lives shine brightly for His glory!
Full Surrender to the Risen Christ
Galatians 2:20 is a great verse that encapsulates the heart of the Gospel. It’s about full surrender to the Risen Christ. By the power of Christ, we can live as a new creation, free from the old life and alive in Him. In this Galatians 2:20 Devotional, we’ve explored what it means to be crucified with Christ, letting His life transform us from the inside out. Full surrender isn’t a one-time decision but a daily act of laying down our selfish ambitions and embracing the indwelling Christ as our source of strength.
Can you see any areas of your life that you need to surrender to Jesus? Are there habits, fears, or desires you’re holding onto that keep you from fully experiencing His freedom? Remember that His grace is sufficient to meet you right where you are and carry you forward. As you seek Him, let His Word guide you and His Spirit empower you to walk in obedience and joy.
I hope you’ll take time to meditate on Galatians 2:20 and allow its truth to sink deeply into your heart. Commit to living each day as a reflection of Christ, letting His love and grace shine through you. May the grace of God fill your heart as you live out the truth of the Gospel in the new way of life He has prepared for you. Choose to be fully crucified with Christ and live boldly for His glory today and every day!
Popular Bible Studies from Master’s Hand Collection
Leave A Comment