An Invitation to Surrender and Transformation
In a world dominated by self-centered pursuits and fleeting pleasures, the call to live the “crucified life” stands as a beacon of eternal significance. The Apostle Paul encapsulates this transformative lifestyle in Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
This verse is not merely theological but a practical blueprint for a life aligned with God’s will. To understand the importance of living the crucified life today, it is vital to delve into its meaning, challenges, and ultimate rewards.
What Is the Crucified Life?
The crucified life is a life wholly surrendered to God, marked by humility, obedience, and self-denial. As A. W. Tozer eloquently described, it is “a life wholly given over to the Lord in absolute humility and obedience: a sacrifice pleasing to the Lord.” To crucify, in its spiritual sense, means to destroy the power of the flesh—the sinful nature that blinds us to the divine.
Romans 6:6-7 provides clarity on this concept: “Our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—because anyone who has died has been set free from sin.” When we embrace the crucified life, we dismantle the stronghold of sin over our lives, allowing Christ to reign supreme in our hearts.
The Prison of Self
Henry Van Dyke once said, “Self is the only prison that can ever bind the soul.” Indeed, the crucified life begins when we recognize the limitations and bondage of living for self. Our selfish desires and sinful inclinations—immorality, jealousy, anger, and idolatry among others—are vividly outlined in Galatians 5:19-21. These deeds of the flesh are barriers to spiritual growth and the inheritance of God’s kingdom.
To live the crucified life means relinquishing these destructive tendencies and passions. As Galatians 5:24 states, “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” This surrender is not merely about behavior modification but a profound spiritual transformation.
Why Is the Crucified Life Important in Today’s World?
A Countercultural Witness
In our present age, society glorifies self-promotion, instant gratification, and materialism. Living the crucified life stands in stark contrast to these prevailing ideologies. Denying oneself to follow Christ (Luke 9:23) is a revolutionary act of faith that speaks volumes to a culture searching for meaning and fulfillment.
As believers embody humility, selflessness, and obedience, they become a living testament to the transformative power of Christ. This countercultural witness draws others to the hope and glory found in Him (Colossians 1:27).
Freedom from Sin
Paul reminds us in Romans 6:7 that *“Anyone who has died has been set free from sin.”* The crucified life liberates us from the chains of sin that once ruled our actions and decisions. Our old identity, shaped by pride, greed, and lust, is replaced with a new identity in Christ. This freedom is not merely theoretical—it is a tangible experience of peace, joy, and righteousness.
The Hope of Glory
Living the crucified life enables us to experience the hope of glory—the promise of eternal life with Christ. While the life in the flesh is limited, fleeting, and often unfulfilling, the life lived in Christ is abundant and eternal. This hope sustains us through challenges and inspires us to press forward toward spiritual perfection, as Paul writes in Philippians 3:14: “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
The Challenges of Living the Crucified Life
Living the crucified life is not easy. It requires daily surrender and a conscious decision to deny oneself for the sake of Christ. The path is often marked by trials and sacrifices, as Tozer pointed out: “The crucified life was to press forward—regardless of the difficulties and in spite of the cost to the state of spiritual perfection.”
Self-Denial and Sacrifice
To live a crucified life, one must deny selfish ambitions and worldly desires. This is a direct challenge to our human nature, which seeks comfort, recognition, and control. Yet, as Luke 9:23 instructs, *“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”* This daily act of surrender is a refining process that molds us into Christ’s image.
Endurance in Trials
Living the crucified life often involves enduring hardships and persecution for the sake of the Gospel. These challenges test our faith and deepen our reliance on God. However, they also draw us closer to Him and reveal His strength in our weakness.
The Rewards of Living the Crucified Life
Transformation into a New Creation
As we crucify the flesh and surrender to Christ, we are transformed into the new creation He intended us to be. This transformation is not only spiritual but also practical, influencing how we think, act, and relate to others. It is a life marked by the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
Intimacy with Christ
The crucified life fosters a deep and abiding relationship with Christ. As we relinquish control and allow Him to live through us, we experience the fullness of His love, presence, and power. This intimacy is the ultimate reward of surrender, far surpassing anything the world can offer.
Eternal Life
The final and most glorious reward of the crucified life is eternal life with Christ. This promise sustains us through trials and inspires us to persevere in faith. As Paul writes in Colossians 1:27, “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” This hope is the anchor of our souls and the culmination of our journey of faith.
Conclusion
Living the crucified life in this present time is not only a challenge but also a profound privilege. It is a call to surrender, transformation, and intimacy with Christ—a life that transcends the limitations of the flesh and aligns with God’s eternal purposes.
While the path is difficult, the rewards are immeasurable. Freedom from sin, the hope of glory, and the fruits of the Spirit await those who choose to live a life wholly given over to the Lord. In a world desperate for meaning and redemption, the crucified life is a testimony of God’s power to transform and restore.
Let us, like Paul, declare with faith and conviction: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” May this truth guide us as we navigate the complexities of our present age, pressing forward toward the goal set before us in Christ Jesus. Amen.
Minister A Francine Green I July 2025
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