Galatians 2:20 stands as one of the most revolutionary declarations in all of Scripture: “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.” These profound words reveal the essence of Christian identity, the secret of victorious living, and the transformative power of union with Jesus Christ.
In a culture obsessed with self-promotion, self-fulfillment, and self-worship, Galatians 2:20 presents a radically different path—death to self and resurrection life in Christ. Whether you’re struggling to overcome persistent sin, seeking deeper intimacy with God, or longing to understand what it truly means to follow Jesus, this verse will revolutionize your faith and empower your walk with God.
What Does Galatians 2:20 Say? (Scripture & Context)
The Complete Text of 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.”
— Galatians 2:20 (NIV)
Alternate Translation (ESV):
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
This single verse encapsulates Paul’s theology of union with Christ, justification by faith, sanctification through the Spirit, and the exchanged life—where Christ’s life replaces our self-centered existence.
The Context: Paul’s Defense of the Gospel (Galatians 1-2)
To fully understand Galatians 2:20, we must grasp the crisis Paul is addressing.
The Problem in Galatia:
False teachers (Judaizers) had infiltrated the Galatian churches, teaching that Gentile converts must:
- Be circumcised (follow the Mosaic Law).
- Observe Jewish dietary laws and festivals.
- Earn God’s favor through works, not faith alone.
Paul’s Response:
The Book of Galatians is Paul’s passionate defense of justification by faith alone and freedom from the Law.
Galatians 2:15-21 – The Heart of Paul’s Argument
Verse 16: “Know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ.”
Verse 19: “For through the law I died to the law so that I might live for God.”
Verse 20: This verse – Paul’s personal testimony of what it means to live by faith, not law.
Verse 21: “I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!”
The Flow:
- Justification is by faith, not works (v. 16).
- The Law’s purpose was to lead us to death (v. 19).
- We are crucified with Christ and now live by faith (v. 20).
- To return to the Law nullifies grace and insults Christ’s sacrifice (v. 21).
Breaking Down Galatians 2:20
1. “I Have Been Crucified with Christ” – Death to the Old Self
Greek: Christō synestaurōmai – “With Christ I have been crucified”
This is the foundational reality of Christian life. Paul declares that his old self—the person he was before Christ—has been executed, nailed to the cross with Jesus.
What Does “Crucified with Christ” Mean?
1. Union with Christ in His Death
When Jesus died on the cross, you died with Him. This is not metaphorical or symbolic—it is a spiritual reality accomplished at Calvary and applied to you when you believed.
Romans 6:6 explains:
“For we know that 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.”
2. The Death of the Old Nature
The “old self” is your identity in Adam—the sinful, rebellious, self-centered person enslaved to sin and separated from God.
When you were crucified with Christ:
- Your guilt was nailed to the cross (Colossians 2:14).
- Your slavery to sin was broken (Romans 6:6-7).
- Your old identity died (2 Corinthians 5:17).
3. Legal Death to the Law
Paul declares in Galatians 2:19: “For through the law I died to the law.”
The Law’s demands, condemnation, and curse were satisfied at the cross. You are no longer under Law but under grace (Romans 6:14).
The Tense: “Have Been Crucified” (Perfect Tense)
In Greek, the perfect tense indicates an action completed in the past with ongoing results.
Translation: “I have been crucified (in the past) and I remain in that crucified state (in the present).”
This means:
- Your crucifixion with Christ is a finished fact, not a future goal.
- It happened when Christ died 2,000 years ago.
- It was applied to you when you believed.
- You now live daily in the reality of that death.
Practical Implications of Being Crucified with Christ
1. Sin No Longer Has Dominion Over You
“For sin shall no longer be your master, because you are not under the law, but under grace” (Romans 6:14).
You are dead to sin—it no longer has the legal right to control you.
2. You Are Free from the Law’s Condemnation
“There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).
The Law demanded perfection and pronounced judgment. Christ satisfied both.
3. You Die Daily to Self
Crucifixion is not a one-time event—it’s a daily posture.
“I die every day” (1 Corinthians 15:31).
Application:
- Daily surrender your will to God’s will.
- Daily deny selfish desires.
- Daily take up your cross (Luke 9:23).
4. The World Is Crucified to You
“May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world” (Galatians 6:14).
The values, pleasures, and pursuits of the world lose their appeal when you’re crucified with Christ.
2. “I No Longer Live” – The End of the Self-Centered Life
Greek: Zō de ouketi egō – “I live, yet no longer I”
This is the most radical statement in Galatians 2:20. Paul declares that the old “I”—the self-ruled, self-centered life—has ended.
What Does “I No Longer Live” Mean?
1. Death to Self-Rule
Before Christ, you were on the throne of your life. You made decisions based on your desires, ambitions, and fears.
After crucifixion with Christ, the old “I” no longer governs. Jesus is now Lord.
2. Death to Self-Dependence
The old life relied on:
- Your own strength.
- Your own wisdom.
- Your own righteousness.
Now, you depend entirely on Christ.
“Apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5).
3. Death to Self-Promotion
“He must become greater; I must become less” (John 3:30).
The Christian life is not about:
- Building your own kingdom.
- Seeking your own glory.
- Achieving your own success.
It’s about exalting Christ.
What “I No Longer Live” Does NOT Mean
1. It Does Not Mean the Loss of Personality
God doesn’t erase your individuality. He redeems and sanctifies it. Paul remained Paul—but transformed.
2. It Does Not Mean Passivity
You still make choices, take action, and exercise will. But now, those choices are submitted to Christ’s lordship.
3. It Does Not Mean You Never Struggle
You still battle the flesh (Galatians 5:17). But the power of sin is broken.
3. “But Christ Lives in Me” – The Indwelling Presence of Jesus
Greek: Zē de en emoi Christos – “Christ lives in me”
This is the glorious exchange: Your life for His life. Your death for His resurrection.
What Does “Christ Lives in Me” Mean?
1. The Holy Spirit Indwells You
When you believed, the Holy Spirit took up permanent residence in your heart.
“Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?” (1 Corinthians 6:19).
2. Christ’s Life Becomes Your Life
You don’t just imitate Christ—you participate in His life. His righteousness, power, love, and holiness flow through you.
“To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27).
3. You Are United with Christ
This is not mere companionship—it’s spiritual union, like a branch in a vine (John 15:5).
“But whoever is united with the Lord is one with him in spirit” (1 Corinthians 6:17).
4. Christ’s Strength Empowers You
“I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).
The Christian life is not you trying hard to be like Jesus. It’s Christ living His life through you.
The Fruit of Christ Living in You
When Christ lives in you, His character is progressively manifested:
Galatians 5:22-23 – The Fruit of the Spirit:
- Love
- Joy
- Peace
- Patience
- Kindness
- Goodness
- Faithfulness
- Gentleness
- Self-control
These are not produced by human effort—they are the natural overflow of Christ’s life within you.
4. “The Life I Now Live in the Body” – Living in Two Realities
Greek: Ho de nyn zō en sarki – “What I now live in the flesh”
Paul acknowledges that while spiritually united with Christ, he still lives in a physical body in a fallen world.
The Tension: Already but Not Yet
Already:
- You are a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17).
- You are seated with Christ in heavenly places (Ephesians 2:6).
- You have been delivered from the domain of darkness (Colossians 1:13).
Not Yet:
- You still live in a mortal, corruptible body.
- You still face temptation, suffering, and spiritual warfare.
- You await the resurrection and glorification (Romans 8:23; 1 Corinthians 15:42-44).
The Christian life is lived in this tension.
5. “I Live by Faith in the Son of God” – The Means of the Exchanged Life
Greek: En pistei zō tē tou hyiou tou theou – “By faith I live, the faith of the Son of God”
Paul reveals the secret to living the crucified-yet-alive life: faith.
What Does “Faith” Mean Here?
1. Trusting Christ’s Finished Work
You don’t earn God’s favor through performance. You rest in Christ’s completed sacrifice.
“It is finished” (John 19:30).
2. Daily Dependence on Christ
Faith is not a one-time decision—it’s a moment-by-moment reliance on Christ.
“The righteous will live by faith” (Romans 1:17).
3. Believing God’s Promises
Faith takes God at His Word, even when circumstances contradict.
“Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1).
4. Surrendering Control
Faith releases the illusion of self-sufficiency and trusts Christ to live through you.
Faith vs. Works
Galatians 2:21 warns:
“I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!”
Faith says: “Christ’s work is sufficient. I trust Him.”
Works says: “I must earn God’s approval through my effort.”
The exchanged life is lived by faith, not striving.
6. “Who Loved Me and Gave Himself for Me” – The Motivation of Love
Greek: Tou agapēsantos me kai paradontos heauton hyper emou – “The one who loved me and gave himself for me”
Paul concludes with the personal, intimate reality of Christ’s love.
The Personal Nature of Christ’s Love
“Who loved me” – Not humanity in general, but you personally.
“Gave himself for me” – Not a distant theological concept, but a sacrificial act on your behalf.
Application:
Even if you were the only person on earth, Jesus would have died for you. His love is:
- Unconditional – Not based on your worthiness.
- Sacrificial – He gave everything.
- Personal – He knows your name, your struggles, your heart.
The Cross: The Ultimate Demonstration of Love
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
Jesus didn’t die for you because you were good. He died for you while you were a sinner—rebellious, undeserving, hostile to God.
This is the love that transforms everything.
The Exchanged Life: Practical Application
Galatians 2:20 is not abstract theology—it’s a blueprint for daily Christian living. Here’s how to walk in the reality of the crucified-yet-alive life:
1. Embrace Your Death to Self
The Problem: Many Christians try to live for Christ while clinging to the old self.
The Truth: You must die to self-rule, self-promotion, and self-dependence.
Action Steps:
- Confess areas of self-centeredness (pride, selfish ambition, control).
- Surrender your rights (to comfort, recognition, success).
- Take up your cross daily (Luke 9:23)—choose obedience over preference.
Prayer: “Lord, I surrender my life to You. I die to my will, my plans, my desires. Your will, not mine.”
2. Rest in Christ’s Life Within You
The Problem: Christians exhaust themselves trying to live the Christian life in their own strength.
The Truth: Christ lives in you. Let Him live through you.
Action Steps:
- Stop striving. Rest in His grace.
- Abide in Christ (John 15:4-5)—stay connected through prayer, worship, and Scripture.
- Yield to the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:16)—walk in step with Him.
Prayer: “Jesus, I can’t do this on my own. Live Your life through me. Fill me with Your Spirit.”
3. Live by Faith, Not Sight
The Problem: We trust our feelings, circumstances, and abilities more than God’s promises.
The Truth: Faith trusts God’s Word regardless of emotions or evidence.
Action Steps:
- Memorize Scripture to combat doubt and fear.
- Speak truth aloud when feelings contradict God’s Word.
- Obey even when you don’t feel like it—faith precedes feeling.
Prayer: “Lord, I choose to believe Your Word over my feelings. Increase my faith.”
4. Meditate on Christ’s Love
The Problem: We forget the depth of Christ’s sacrificial love and live in fear or performance.
The Truth: You are deeply loved. Christ gave Himself for you.
Action Steps:
- Read the Gospel accounts of Christ’s passion (Matthew 26-28; Mark 14-16; Luke 22-24; John 18-21).
- Personalize Scripture: “Jesus loved me and gave Himself for me.”
- Worship in gratitude for the cross.
Prayer: “Thank You, Jesus, for loving me when I was unlovable. Your love changes everything.”
5. Walk in Victory Over Sin
The Problem: Christians believe they’re helpless against habitual sin.
The Truth: Sin no longer has dominion over you. You have been set free (Romans 6:14).
Action Steps:
- Count yourself dead to sin (Romans 6:11)—refuse to let it rule.
- Flee temptation immediately (2 Timothy 2:22).
- Put on the new self (Ephesians 4:22-24)—replace sinful habits with godly practices.
Prayer: “Sin has no power over me. I am crucified with Christ. I choose holiness.”
6. Live for God’s Glory, Not Your Own
The Problem: We seek approval, recognition, and success from the world.
The Truth: Your life is no longer about you—it’s about glorifying Christ.
Action Steps:
- Check your motives. Ask: “Am I doing this for God’s glory or my own?”
- Give God credit for every success.
- Serve in hidden places where only God sees.
Prayer: “Not to me, Lord, but to Your name be the glory. Use my life for Your purposes.”
Related Scriptures on the Crucified Life
- Romans 6:1-14 – Dead to sin, alive to God in Christ.
- Romans 8:10-11 – Christ in you gives life through the Spirit.
- John 15:1-8 – Abide in Christ, the true vine.
- Luke 9:23-24 – Take up your cross daily.
- Philippians 1:21 – “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
- Colossians 3:1-4 – Set your minds on things above; your life is hidden with Christ.
- 1 Peter 2:24 – He bore our sins so we might die to sin and live for righteousness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Galatians 2:20
If I’ve been crucified with Christ, why do I still sin?
You have been crucified positionally (your old identity is dead), but you’re being sanctified progressionally (you’re growing in holiness). The flesh still wars against the Spirit (Galatians 5:17), but sin no longer has mastery over you.
How can I experience “Christ living in me” practically?
Through abiding—staying connected to Christ through prayer, worship, Scripture, and obedience. As you yield to the Holy Spirit, His life flows through you (John 15:4-5).
Does “I no longer live” mean I lose my personality?
No. God redeems your personality, gifts, and uniqueness. You become more authentically you—the you God designed—when Christ lives through you.
Is Galatians 2:20 only for “super-spiritual” Christians?
No. This is the normal Christian life. Every believer is called to live crucified with Christ. It’s not about perfection but about posture—daily surrender and dependence on Christ.
Conclusion: The Glorious Exchange
Galatians 2:20 is the heartbeat of Christianity. It’s not religion. It’s not rules. It’s not striving.
It’s an exchange:
- Your life for His.
- Your sin for His righteousness.
- Your weakness for His strength.
- Your death for His resurrection.
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.”
This is the secret to:
- Victory over sin – You’re dead to it.
- Freedom from the Law – Christ fulfilled it.
- Power for living – Christ’s life flows through you.
- Peace with God – You’re loved and accepted.
Stop trying to improve the old self. It’s dead.
Stop striving in your own strength. Christ lives in you.
Stop seeking your own glory. Live for His.
You are crucified. You are alive. You are loved. You are free.
Live by faith in the Son of God, who loved you and gave Himself for you.
Take the Next Step: A Prayer of Surrender
“Lord Jesus, I confess that I have tried to live the Christian life in my own strength. I have clung to self-rule and self-dependence. Today, I surrender. I have been crucified with You. The old me is dead. I no longer live, but You live in me. Fill me with Your Spirit. Live Your life through me. I cannot do this, but You can. I choose to walk by faith, trusting in Your love and Your finished work. Transform me. Sanctify me. Glorify Yourself through me. In Your holy name, Amen.”