galatians 2:20 meaning

Today we will talk about Galatians 2:20 meaning. Many Christians do not know what this means. In this short verse, the Apostle Paul beautifully summarizes the foundation of our faith and the transformative power of Christ in our lives. As we explore this verse, we invite you to turn your hearts towards God and meditate on His Word. This verse speaks of our identity in Christ and the radical change that occurs when we embrace the truth of the Gospel. Understanding Galatians 2:20 leads us to a deeper appreciation of what it means to be crucified with Christ and how His life flows through us today. Let’s uncover the beautiful truths the Apostle Paul shared with the Galatians, which are still applicable to our lives today.

The Meaning of “Crucified with Christ”

This part of the verse, “I have been crucified with Christ,” carries a rich significance. In Greek, the word for “crucified” (σταυρός – stauros) signifies not just the physical act, but a kind of death to the old self and its desires. When Paul speaks of being crucified, he refers to the complete transformation that happens in a believer’s life when they accept Christ. Paul is emphasizing that our old sinful nature is no longer in charge. Just as Jesus was put to death on the cross, we too are called to let go of the very things that separate us from God. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, we read, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!” This symbolizes the start of a new life where we live under the guidance of Christ’s Spirit.

Every believer can resonate with this idea of being crucified with Christ. It’s a powerful reminder that when we surrender to Him, we participate in His death. The Victory He achieved on the cross becomes our victory. Romans 6:6 confirms this notion further: “We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.” Here, Paul reaffirms the beauty of our union with Christ; we are no longer under the power of sin, but we are empowered by His resurrection.

Living by Faith in the Son of God

The latter part of the verse, “…it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me,” introduces another captivating aspect of our relationship with God. This resonates with Galatians 5:25, which states, “If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.” When we accept Christ, we are not just spectators in His life and work; rather, He becomes an integral part of our very being. The life I now live in the flesh is fueled by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me (Galatians 2:20). Living by faith means trusting Him and understanding that our strengths are not our own but stem from Jesus’ love and sacrifice.

The notion of living “by faith” is one that the author of Hebrews emphasizes, instructing us in Hebrews 11:6 that “without faith it is impossible to please Him.” To live by faith means to rely completely on God for our welfare, instructions, and decisions. This invites a vibrant, responsive relationship with Jesus, where we actively seek His guidance and find our worth in Him. John 15:5 reminds us that, “apart from me, you can do nothing.” This realization helps us understand that all good things come from Him, and thus, daily living becomes an act of worship and trust.

The Historical Perspective on Galatians

When we reflect on the historical backdrop of the Book of Galatians, we realize that Paul was addressing a church in turmoil. He wrote this letter to respond to false teachings that suggested faith in Christ was not enough for salvation. Some believed that following the Jewish law was necessary as well. Paul’s message was radical: the Gospel is enough. He emphasizes grace over works, hoping to steer the believers away from the heavy burden of trying to earn their salvation through legalistic practices.

In Galatians 2:20, Paul emphasizes that the law cannot justify us (Galatians 2:16). He countered the false teachings of the Judaizers by presenting a powerful testimony of what it means to live under grace—an incredible freedom we have in Christ! The historical relevance helps us appreciate the urgency in Paul’s message and reminds us that the truth he proclaimed stands firm across ages. It’s crucial to remember that we still need to guard our hearts against ideology that tries to undermine the sufficiency of God’s grace today.

The Duality of Death and Life

Another significant element is the interplay between death and life. When Paul writes about being crucified with Christ, he implies a dual reality—one of mourning the death of our sinful nature while simultaneously celebrating the new life we have in Him. As Jesus explained in John 12:24, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” This principle is at the heart of our faith; through surrendering to Christ, we bear the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). This daily bearing of fruit shows that we are partaking in a life that stems from our relationship with Jesus.

As believers, we continually encounter choices that require us to let go of our old selves. Colossians 3:3 reminds us that “For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” This ‘hidden’ life means that our identity and purpose are tied directly to Christ, who offers unconditional love and purpose. In this renewed existence, we are called to reflect His glory in our thoughts, actions, and relationships. This notion gives great comfort, knowing that despite our flaws, Christ is living through us to shine His light in a dark world.

Final Thoughts

The powerful truth in Galatians 2:20 reveals the essence of what it means to live as a follower of Christ. When Paul declares that he has been crucified with Christ, he is highlighting the beautiful exchange that takes place when we accept God’s grace. Our past selves no longer define us because we are made new through Him.

As we navigate our faith journey, we are encouraged to fully embrace the life that Christ offers us. This living faith echoes throughout the New Testament as a reminder of our identity in Him. When we allow Christ to live through us, we can experience true freedom and joy, reveling in His love and grace.

In understanding Galatians 2:20, we can unite our hearts to God’s plan and purpose for our lives. Let us rejoice in this truth and live out our days reflecting His love and grace to others.

Further Reading

30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)

4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4

galatians 2:20 meaning