I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life 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 (ESV)
The nails driven into His hands have driven out the curse of sin.
The flogging that tore the skin on His back has torn the veil between us and God.
They stripped him of His clothing so we could be stripped of our wickedness.
The crown of thorns was placed on His head so that His righteousness could be placed on ours.
Because He walked the road to Calvary, we can walk in the newness of life.
He was given over to the Romans so we could be given the Holy Spirit.
"No longer I live, but Christ who lives in me." This is the mystery of the Gospel—the divine exchange that takes place at the moment of salvation. Christ Himself replaces our old self. He takes up residence within us through the Holy Spirit, completely transforming us from the inside out... We no longer live for ourselves but for Him who gave Himself for us.
When our savior was nailed to the cross, so were our old lives. Just as He was raised from the dead, we have been given new life in Him.
Our old self, consumed with sin, selfish desires, and wickedness, is crucified with Christ. Crucifixion was one of the most brutal forms of execution, and yet, through the work of Christ, it became the way to new life. When we accept Christ as our Savior, we partake in His death on the cross, experiencing the death of our old selves and the complete forgiveness of our sins.
"And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God." Living crucified with Christ requires faith—a faith that acknowledges His lordship over every part of our lives. It requires daily surrender and continual reliance on His strength, wisdom, and grace. It's trusting that His ways are higher, His plans are better, and His presence is all-sufficient.
Lastly, Paul reminds us of the foundation of it all: "who loved me and gave himself for me." Our lives are rooted in God's incomprehensible love, displayed in His death. It's this love that compels us to take up our cross, crucify our old selves, and follow Him daily–walking in the newness of life.