Greetings & Introduction
My dear soulful brothers and sisters in Christ, I send you a warm greeting and good morning in the name of Jesus Christ, our only Lord and the most beloved Son of our Heavenly Father. He alone is worthy of all our praise and glory.
Our verse today focuses on the invaluable truth of spiritual contemplation and reflection that the Apostle Paul revealed in his letter, a truth that guides to inner transformation, not mere ideological knowledge. It is a verse standing in the midst of spiritual experience and real-life struggles, which has the ability to completely change the course of life.
The purpose of this discussion is not just theological analysis, but to explain the living faith that dwells within every Christian and which transforms him from an ordinary person into a living witness. This verse that declares a deep personal relationship with Christ invites every soul that seeks union with God in the true sense.
So let us delve deeper into this priceless truth, so that not only our thinking may be matured but our conduct may also be transformed into the likeness of Christ.
Title : Galatians 2:20 - Living by Faith in the Son of God
Book : Galatians
Author: Paul
Chapter: 2
Verse : 20
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)
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Galatians 2:20 - Commentary
I have been crucified with Christ - This statement is one of the foundations of Pauline theology. Paul here reveals a profound spiritual truth, his old nature, his sinful nature, his former spirit of righteousness, all have been killed with him on the cross of Christ. This crucifixion is not literal, but spiritual and vicarious. As Giles, Poole, and Barnes say, Christ took the sins of His followers upon Himself, and was crucified in their place. Thus, when Christ died, the old nature of all of them also died spiritually. This idea also echoes Romans 6:6: “Our old man has been crucified with Him.”
This is not just theological theory, but empirical truth. Paul himself knew the painful spiritual struggle that comes with turning from a life of sin to a life of surrender in Christ. Which is a real death of the heart and will. It is the climax of identification with Christ, not only to participate in His death, but to be integrated into His Spirit.
It is no longer I who live - This at first seems contradictory to us: on the one hand Paul says that he is dead with Christ, and on the other hand he says that he lives. But here death and life are not in opposition, but in succession. Without dying with Christ there is no new life. This life is not a physical life but a spiritual life found in Christ. Just as Christ's resurrection came after His crucifixion, so Paul's new life began after his spiritual death. This sentence makes it clear that the aim of the Gospel is not to destroy man's power, but to revive him to a divine life.
This sentence is the climax of humility. Paul does not say that he attributes any aspect of spiritual life to himself. Here is a denial of the “I.” That is, the selfish, proud, self-sufficient “I” is no longer there. In its place is a new “I” who is in Christ, and for Christ. This new “I” is no longer the one who walked in the righteousness of the Old Jewish Testament, but a new being born in the grace of Christ, who is simply a Christ-lover.
But Christ lives in me - This is the revelation of the spiritual mystery that makes clear the theme of the new birth and union with Christ. Paul says that it is not he himself who lives, but Christ lives in him. This is not a mere symbolic expression, but a spiritual reality. Christ is not only the source of life, but he is life itself. Just as the branch receives life from the vine, so Christ is within Paul. It is not mere external guidance, but internal inspiration and strength.
And the life which I now live in the flesh - This makes it clear that Paul still lives in a human body that is still surrounded by suffering, struggle, and limitations. But this life is not the same as before. Now his every action, every thought, every decision is motivated by the spiritual life he has received in Christ. This life is a "faith-based life," a life that carries out moral, social, and daily duties by faith. The soul now belongs to the Lord, even though it lives in the flesh.
I live by the faith in the Son of God - Here Paul clarifies the means by which this new life is possible: faith. This faith is not just a mental assent, but a complete surrender of the soul. This faith sees Christ not just as "the Savior of the world," but as "my Savior." This is the same idea that we find in Gill’s Commentary that faith embraces Christ not merely in a general way, but in a personal way.
Who loved me, and gave himself for me - This verse is the root of the motivation of the spiritual life: the love of Christ. This love is not merely theoretical, but personal. Paul describes it as Christ having given Himself for him alone. It is a feeling of “particular love.” Paul applies this love of Christ to himself so personally that he devotes himself completely to live in Him and to die for Him. This love, this sacrifice, and this dedication are the root of the faith that gives new life to the soul.
Galatians 2:20 is not just a verse, but the essence of Paul’s entire spiritual life. It ties together unity in Christ, spiritual death, new life, personal faith, and the depth of Christ’s love. Here is not just theoretical theology, but a living testimony of spiritual life. This verse challenges us to crucify the old “I”—our pride, our sin, and our selfishness—so that Christ can live in us. And when He lives, our every breath, our every thought, and our every action must be guided by faith, motivated by the love of Christ, who gave His life for us.
Galatians 2:20 - Applying in Life
This idea calls for an inner awakening towards understanding and actually living the spiritual life. It is not a mere theological statement but an expression of the fundamental change that takes place in the soul when man enters into a living relationship with Christ. It marks a departure from the old way of life to a new way where man is no longer at the centre of his life but is guided by a divine inspiration.
When the awareness arises that life is not merely a name of physical or mental inclinations but is inspired by the grace of a supreme power, the very form of existence begins to change. A new vision is born within, which also changes the attitude towards others. The person is no longer proud of his moral achievements because he knows that all that is good in him has arisen not from himself but from the grace given to him. This spiritual state is no longer merely theoretical but is manifest in every aspect of life. The readiness to serve, the natural disposition to forgive, and the ability to do good without pretense are all manifestations of the inner life that springs from a deep union with Christ. The person then gradually moves away from his old nature as tendencies like anger, pride, and self-praise are suppressed, because someone else now lives within, a pure and holy soul.
In this awakened life, worldly attractions gradually lose their influence. It is neither escapism, nor a sense of disconnect from the world, but it is a state where the person lives in the world with full responsibility, but his heart is now set in another direction. He performs all his duties with the same inner motivation, and this motivation keeps him free from the influences of the world.
When the consciousness settles in that all the power in life no longer comes from oneself, but from the presence of Christ, then fear, doubt, and self-doubt are replaced by faith and peace. He no longer makes his decisions based only on profit, convenience or social expectations, but considers whether these decisions are in accordance with the faith that is now the basis of his life. This change gradually deepens in relationships, in the use of money, in the use of time, and in the state of mind. The person acts less motivated by himself and more by God. He now dedicates his life not only to personal purification, but also to the salvation and welfare of others. This life makes him a living proof in society of the grace that comes only by faith.
The beauty of this spiritual life lies in its silence. It neither preaches nor displays, it simply acts like a steady stream that flows from within and touches all who come in contact with it. This life does not demand any external discipline, but is based on a conscience-inspired rule, the source of which is love that is eternal and sacrificial. This is why this life not only gives spiritual growth, but becomes the means of bringing about a silent but powerful change in society. This life is not limited to a single person, but gradually influences his surroundings, family and society in a new direction. This is the true victory of life – not an external achievement, but an internal transformation.
Galatians 2:20 - Prayer
O my living and loving God,
I come to Your feet this lovely morning with my heart surrendered to thank You for the infinite grace and love You showed on that Cross to an unworthy and guilty person like me. You have not only given me life, but a new life, a life that is no longer governed by my own strength and will, but by the faith and presence of Your Son.
O Merciful Father, Your most beloved holy Son loved me even when I was far from You and offered Himself for me when I was bound by my sins. I was not worthy, yet You made me worthy through the sacrifice of Your Son. My soul is moved by the truth that my life is no longer mine but that Jesus lives in me. I pray to You that every breath, every thought, every deed of mine reflects Your beloved Son Jesus. O Father, work in me. Transform my natural inclinations to the world, sanctify my desires, and illuminate my paths with Your light. When I am weary, be my strength; when I falter, be my foundation; when I feel worthless, remind me that within me lives the One who never gives up, the One called Jesus Christ.
Father, from now on, make me live a life that is not limited to following the rules of religion, but one spent in a living relationship with You and in charity to those in need. A life born of faith in Jesus alone, centered on Christ, growing in love, and perfected in service. May my life be a reflection of the sacrifice of Your Son and my heart an instrument of Jesus' love. Father, create in me the spirit to live not only for myself, but like Your beloved Son, for all those who are still ignorant of You. May my words bear the compassion of Jesus, my actions bear witness to Christ, and my life be proof of the presence of that same spotless Lamb.
Gracious Father,
remind me daily that my new life is not the result of a simple reformation, but a spiritual resurrection. With Your Son my old identity, which was dead, has been erased, and the life I live now is a perfect gift of Your grace and faith. I pray this in the only name in which there is life, love, and salvation. In the holy name of the Lord Jesus Christ,
Amen.
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