THE GOSPEL MAKES YOU ALIVE
My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.
Galatians 2:20 (NLT)
There are a variety of expressions we use for someone becoming a Christian. We may say they’ve accepted Jesus into their heart. Or that they got saved. Or that they’ve become believers. While none of these are inherently wrong, there’s another phrase that is probably a clearer representation of what’s happening: passing from death to life.
Jesus uses this expression when He says: “I tell you the truth, those who listen to My message and believe in God who sent Me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.” John 5:24 (NLT)
The Bible is quite clear—before believing the Gospel, we’re dead in our sin. Paul uses this same language in Romans 6:13, imploring us to give ourselves completely to God since we were once dead and are now alive. He touches on this again in Ephesians 2:4-6, stating that God’s rich mercy is what caused Him to lavish love and life on us when we were dead in our sin.
So, in Galatians 2:20, Paul reminds us that our old selves are dead. We’re alive in Christ. The old has gone, and the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17). Our lives are not about us but about our Savior. We live for Him, committed to sharing the Good News of who He is and what He has done.
APPLICATION: Take a moment to thank God for the work of His Holy Spirit within you, initiating your passing from death to life. Reflect on who you were and how He has transformed you. Ask Him to continue to make you more and more like His Son.
PRAYER: Father God, thank You for choosing to save me. The life, death and resurrection of Your Son Jesus changed everything—help me not to grow numb to this. Guide me by Your Spirit to those around me who need to experience the Gospel. In Jesus’ name, amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?