The Cross Was Not Just a Religious Event

Key Text: “I am crucified with Christ nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me…” Galatians 2:20

Many times we talk about the cross like it is a yearly celebration, something we remember during Easter, and use as decoration in church banners. But the cross is not a church logo. It is a spiritual transaction. When Jesus died, God was not only dealing with Jesus as a person. God was dealing with humanity through Jesus. The cross was not just Jesus dying for you, it was also you dying in Him. This is why Paul did not say, “Jesus was crucified.” Paul said, “I am crucified with Christ.” Meaning, the old version of you was not meant to survive that cross.

The problem is that many believers still try to improve the old man instead of accepting that the old man has been executed. That is like going to a burial ceremony and shouting, “Please bring him back, he still has potential.” The Bible says your sinful nature was nailed there. Your pride was nailed there. Your addiction was nailed there. Your anger issues and jealousy were nailed there. But some people still keep visiting the grave of their old habits like it is a tourist center. They say, “I have changed,” but they still keep one small corner of their heart reserved for their old ways. That is why some Christians behave like Jesus died, but their flesh refused to attend the burial.

This means you must stop identifying with what Christ already killed. If you used to be a liar, you do not say, “I am trying not to lie.” You say, “That man died.” If you used to struggle with lust, you do not say, “This is who I am.” No. You say, “That nature was crucified with Christ.” This is not motivational speaking. This is spiritual reality. Your new life begins when you agree with God that the old you is not under rehabilitation. The old you is under execution. And the sooner you accept it, the freer you become.

Prayers and Confession
Father, I thank You for the cross. I declare that my old sinful nature was crucified with Christ. Sin has no right to rule over me again. I receive grace to live as the new man, not as the old man trying to improve. I declare that I am free, forgiven, and transformed. In Jesus name, Amen.

Reflection
What part of your old life do you still talk about as if it is still alive? What mindset, habit, or identity do you need to stop feeding?

Further Reading: Romans 6:6-14, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Colossians 2:13-15, Isaiah 53:4-6