What Does It Mean To Be Crucified With Christ?
Today’s scripture is a foundational element of the Christian faith. Just as Christ died for us, we too need to die of our sinful ways. When we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and savior, we are no longer held captive by fear, sin, and death. And when we are baptized into Christ, our old self dies and we are born again, and made brand new. We are baptized and alive – dead to sin, and alive in Christ.
Scripture:
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live now in the body I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing.” Galatians 2:20-21.
Observation/Application:
When we understand the unconditional love of Jesus Christ, we are fully changed. We are transformed, and are never the same again. How much does God love us? It’s hard to even comprehend. He loves us so much that He gave His very life for us. Christ died on the cross, for you, for me, for us all. For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son to save a sinner like me, when I could not save myself, regardless of what I have done in the past, to give me love that I really didn’t deserve when I turned my back on him, shut him out. Who am I that the highest King would welcome me, that He would die for me?
Who are we? I can tell you what the Word of God tells us about who we are. We are children of the most high God, created in His own image, made perfect through Jesus Christ. We may have been a sinner, but with Christ we are made brand new. We might fall, and we might fail, but God loves us anyway. He loves us so much that he gave his very life for us. And let it be revealed to you today that no mater what you have done in the past, nothing is too great for God to forgive. If you can confess it, you can be forgiven of it through the blood of Jesus Christ. Nothing is impossible through Jesus Christ. Christ died on the cross, for you, for me, for us. No matter what you have done, God’s grace is enough. Whatever it is that you need, seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. All that you need can be found in him!
#How-Good-It-Is-To-Be-Made-New-In-Christ-Jesus!
Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, thank you for your Word. We stand firm on your Word being the index in our lives. We turn to you for all things. We seek you first. We want you first. We receive all of your promise, your peace, you hope, your joy, your wisdom, your health, your love. We give all honor and glory and praise to you, in Jesus mighty name, Amen.
Today’s full reading: Deuteronomy 16-18; Psalm 38; Galatians 2
Related scripture references for today’s reflection:
- “In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.” – Romans 6:11
“So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith” – Galatians 3:26 - “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” – Genesis 1:27
- “For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.” – Hebrews 10:14
- “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
- “who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.” – Titus 2:14
- “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9
- “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” – Philippians 4:13
- “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9
- “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” – Matthew 6:33
Image courtesy of: dremle