What a concept! In the book of Galatians, Paul makes repeated references to the sanctity of the Christian life, frequently using the word “crucified” to do it. “I have been crucified with Christ…I live by faith…” (2:20). “The works of the flesh are…those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is…And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires” (5:19-24). “God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world” (6:14).
I want to ask you three questions, and I want you to take a moment to reflect on each answer:
1. Have you been crucified, really crucified, with Christ?
2. Have you crucified the flesh, really crucified the flesh, with its passions and desires?
3. Has the world been crucified, really crucified, to you and you to the world?