How does Romans 6:8 connect with Galatians 2:20 about living in Christ? Shared Death, Shared Life Romans 6:8 — “Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with Him.” • The verse states a completed fact: believers “died with Christ.” • Because that death is real and literal, a corresponding expectation follows: we “will also live with Him.” • The link is inseparable—death with Christ guarantees life with Christ. Crucified Yet Living Galatians 2:20 — “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me…” • Paul echoes Romans 6:8: death with Christ already occurred (“crucified”). • Yet he immediately turns to present life: “Christ lives in me,” revealing that the promised life is not only future but present. • Life is now defined by Christ’s indwelling, not self-effort. Union With Christ: The Unbreakable Bond • Both verses ground identity in union with Christ—past death, ongoing life. • Colossians 3:3-4 confirms the pattern: “For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” • Because Christ’s resurrection life is eternal, the believer’s life shares that permanence. Present Experience of His Life • Romans 6:11 urges, “Consider yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.” • Galatians 2:20 explains how: “The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God.” • Day-to-day living happens by continual trust in the risen Lord, allowing His life to animate ours (John 15:4-5). Practical Outworking • Freedom from sin’s dominion (Romans 6:12-14). • New creation reality (2 Corinthians 5:17). • Empowered obedience flowing from the Spirit rather than law-keeping (Galatians 2:19, 3:3). • Joyful assurance that future resurrection is certain because His life is already operative within (Romans 8:11). Certain Future, Active Present • Romans 6:8 points forward: “we will also live with Him” — resurrection hope. • Galatians 2:20 anchors the present: “Christ lives in me” — resurrection life now. • Together they form a seamless testimony: believers share Christ’s past, present, and future, enabling holy living today and guaranteeing eternal life tomorrow. |