Christ Lives in me by the Spirit

January 21, 2013 - Galatians 2:19-20

2:19		我 因 律 法 、 就 向 律 法 死 了 、 叫 我 可 以 向 　 神 活 著 。
2:20		我 已 經 與 基 督 同 釘 十 字 架 ． 現 在 活 著 的 、 不 再 是 我 、 乃 是 基 督 在 我 裡 面 活 著 ． 並 且 我 如 今 在 肉 身 活 著 、 是 因 信 　 神 的 兒 子 而 活 、 他 是 愛 我 、 為 我 捨 己 。

 ¹⁹ “For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God. 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. 

"Christ lives in me" - that is not merely a doctrine of Christianity but is rather an experience that Paul proclaims and all believers can share. Paul proclaims that he died to law as all the penalty of sins had been borne by Christ's death on the cross. His conscience is liberated from the bondage of sin and the actual judgment of sin sins had also been paid by Christ's death. This was a historical fact that effects in our lives once we trust in God's salvation works. But more than that, Paul asserts that believing in Jesus and having sins forgiven is only a beginning point of Christian life. Paul experiences how "Christ Lives in me" and his old self no longer lives. Paul illustrates a reality that he has been crucified with Christ - not only a past repentance event but a daily experience that he denies to his old self but subjects to Christ as his Master through living by faith in the Son of God. 

My Jesus Christ, "You Live in me" by the Spirit is the prayer of my life. This is also my pattern and purpose of my discipleship life. My Spirit, strengthening and empowering my faith in following Jesus and crucifying my old self with Jesus on the cross everyday that Christ lives in me - his love, patience, mercy, passion..... can be shown through me.