The concept of being “crucified with Christ” is a profound spiritual truth that has transformative implications for believers. It is rooted in the Apostle Paul’s writings, particularly in the book of Galatians, where he declares, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me” (Galatians 2:20, NIV). This passage offers significant insights into what it means to live a resurrected life.
Theological Foundation
The notion of being crucified with Christ suggests an intimate identification with Jesus’ death on the cross. This identification is not physical but spiritual, signifying a death to one’s old, sinful nature. As Paul elaborates in his epistles, particularly Romans and Galatians, this is symbolic of a believer’s union with Christ’s death, burial, and subsequent resurrection.
- Death to Sin: When a believer is “crucified with Christ,” it represents the cessation of the power sin holds over them. Paul emphasizes this in Romans 6:6-7: “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—because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.”
- New Creation: The crucifixion is also seen as the end of the old self, paving the way for a new identity in Christ. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, it is written, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” This underscores the transformative power of this spiritual rebirth.
Implications of a Resurrected Life
Living a resurrected life involves a fundamental shift in perspective and behavior. Here are some implications:
- Empowerment Through the Holy Spirit: A resurrected life is empowered by the Holy Spirit, enabling believers to resist sin and live righteously. Paul writes in Romans 8:11, “And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.”
- A Transformed Mind: Living resurrected means a renewal of the mind. The believer adopts a Christ-centered mindset, as urged by Paul in Romans 12:2: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
- A Life of Service and Love: With the old self put to death, the new self is characterized by love and service to others. This is a hallmark of the Christian life, as Paul instructs in Philippians 2:3-4, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
Practical Steps to Living Resurrected
Embracing a resurrected life calls for practical application in daily living:
- Daily Surrender: Living crucified with Christ requires a daily decision to surrender one’s will to Jesus. Jesus called his followers to take up their cross daily (Luke 9:23). This act of surrender is crucial in staying aligned with God’s purposes.
- Engaging in Spiritual Disciplines: Prayer, meditation on scripture, fellowship with other believers, and partaking in the sacraments fortify a believer’s connection with the divine and foster spiritual growth.
- Practicing Forgiveness: Just as Christ forgave, believers are called to forgive others as proof of the transformative power of the cross in their lives. This can be seen as an outflow of the grace received through Christ’s sacrifice.
Conclusion
Being crucified with Christ and living a resurrected life is an ongoing journey of transformation that affects every aspect of a believer’s life. It is about moving from death to life, darkness to light, and old to new. As believers embrace this profound truth, they are empowered to live lives that are not only reflective of Christ’s love and sacrifice but are also integral to their spiritual vocation in the world.
In essence, as Paul succinctly puts it, “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). This provides the hope and assurance that believers are indeed living a life imparted by the very resurrection power that raised Christ from the dead.