“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” - Galatians 2:20

Galatians 2:20 beautifully captures the essence of transformation in the Christian life. Paul writes, "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me..." This verse highlights three profound truths: dying to self, Christ’s indwelling presence, and living by faith.

First, Paul declares, “I am crucified with Christ,” signifying that the old, sinful self has been put to death. It’s easy to just coast through life as a Christian by checking boxes in your walk and expecting that to be the ticket to transformation. True transformation, however, requires daily surrender—letting go of selfish desires so God can reshape us.

Second, Paul says, “Nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.” Transformation isn’t about self-effort but allowing Christ to live through us. When Christ comes to live inside of the believer, He starts a work of transformation from the inside out. He wants us to experience the joy and peace in believing, but that only comes when we let Christ work through us everyday. True transformation requires surrendering control and letting Christ guide every area of our lives.

Finally, Paul writes, “The life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God.” True transformation comes through living by faith—trusting God’s will above our own. We must choose to put His Word into practice regardless of how difficult it may be to do so. When we do this, faith in His Word will become the foundation for every decision we make in this life.

This verse ends with the motivation for it all: “Who loved me and gave himself for me.” Christ’s sacrifice compels us to live transformed lives, not out of obligation but gratitude. Transformation is a daily process of dying to self, living for Christ, and walking by faith.