A STRONG STATEMENT. I am crucified with Christ. Dead, yet very much alive and functioning, in Christ Jesus. Living the life which must be the aim of every child of the Lord. Christ lives in me. Blessed, blessed association. Still living in the same old body of flesh but within is the power of that new life that is only found in the Lord. Gal. 2:20 That which has been crucified with Christ, has also been buried with Him in the waters of baptism. The New Life can only exist and be made known in and through a body of death. A body in whom is now manifest the power of resurrection from the dead. Until there is death, there can be no resurrection. Without a resurrection there can be no New Life. The basis for living the life of Christ is death and resurrection to the carnal, sinful man. Rom. 6:4 If living a proper spiritual life before the Lord is a constant problem and ones spiritual life is like a yo-yo, with a constant need for repentance, there is an answer. Crucify the old man, the carnal nature. Come to a proper knowledge that the old man is crucified with Christ for the destruction of the sinful nature which is dwelling within our bodies, in the soul life. The very root of sin can and will be destroyed by our commitment to Christ. A person who has died has no further interest in this life. If we die to sin, and we are in Christ, that dead person has no further interest in its old life. Being dead, we are freed from all the encumbrances of the old life. Rom. 6:6-7 When we are really and truly His possession and we are surrendered to Christ willing to be crucified with Him, we will likewise have died to the affections and lusts of the flesh. Gal. 5:24 The majestic power of the life of resurrection was demonstrated in Paul when he was stoned, dragged out of the city and left for dead. Acts 14:19 The stones used were not pebbles, they were large enough so that any one of them striking him on the head would have killed him, most certainly his bones would have been broken and crushed. Nevertheless, when those who tried to murder him had left, that resurrection power of Christ was made manifest. When the other disciples gathered around him, the mighty life of Christ flowed through him and he got up and returned to the city. The restoration of his body to perfect health and strength was caused by that life of resurrection, in Christ Jesus which flowed through him. Sin and sickness cannot overcome that person who is crucified with Christ. Acts 14:20
THE CROSS IS THE EXPRESSION OF HIS LOVE FOR THE CHURCH A people purchased, to gain possession of, or acquire, by the very blood of the Son of God. No greater price could ever be paid for an item more desired and loved. It is His church and they are to be His people. Acts 20:28 They are the redeemed unto God, originating from every kindred, tongue, tribe and nation, all having been brought into His kingdom by the precious blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. Exalted and promoted, becoming a nation of kings and priest unto the Lord. He has bought them for His own eternal purpose and glory. Rev. 5:9-10 Having been purchased with such a tremendous price it is befitting and it is our responsibility to glorify the Lord in our body and in our spirit by living a life which is an example of His life. 1 Cor. 6:20