Galatians 2:20-21 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ lives in me… This verse enunciates three striking paradoxes which are realized in the experience of every Christian. I. THE JUDICIAL PARADOX, or the mystery of the believer's legal standing. The believer, be it remembered, is a dead man to begin with, i.e., before he becomes a believer. In his natural condition he is an unpardoned transgressor, and therefore in the law's eye as good as dead. He is already taken, charged, tried, convicted, sentenced, shut up to the just judgment of wrath, and only waiting the hour of death to meet its execution. But now in Christ, who before the law acted as his representative, and for his sake became obedient unto death, he is executed too. So far as the claims of justice are concerned, he is crucified with Christ, i.e., Christ's crucifixion stands for his, and he personally is free. He has died, and yet he lives! II. THE SPIRITUAL PARADOX, or the mystery of the believer's inner life. The moment a man becomes a believer, he at the same time becomes the subject of an inward change, by which his old corrupt nature of sin is destroyed, and a new principle of holy life is implanted. Christ lives in him. III. THE PRACTICAL PARADOX, or the mystery of the believer's outer walk. While living in the body and in the world the believer is not under the dominion of either, but regulates his conduct and conversation by principles superior to both — by faith in the Son of God. Christ's law is his rule of life; Christ's person the object of his love. CONCLUSION: 1. The text examines us about our standing in the eye of the law. Are we crucified with Christ or not? 2. The character of our inner life. Are we spiritual men, or sensuous? 3. Our walk and conversation. Are we walking by faith, or by sight? (Anon.) Parallel Verses KJV: I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. |
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