The Freedom of Being “Crucified”

By: Eldon Kibbey

A Different Kind of Death

The Apostle Paul makes a startling claim in Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ”. He wasn’t speaking of a physical execution, but a figurative one—a total surrender of the “old self”.

Breaking the Chains of the Past

For many of us, the “old self” isn’t just a theological concept; it’s a heavy burden. For 20 years, I lived “addicted to self” in the form of depression. It was only through deep reflection and counseling that I realized the true meaning of dying to that version of myself.

The logic of Romans 6 is simple: a dead person can no longer commit sin. By “dying” to our old self-centered ways, we are freed from being slaves to our past mistakes and habits.

Living the Abundant Life

Crucifixion is only half the story. The goal is resurrection—becoming a new creature in Christ. When we give up the pretense of trying to do everything in our own strength, we make room for the Holy Spirit to work.

By accepting Christ’s crucifixion as our own, we find that:

• Christ lives in us through the power of the Holy Spirit.
• We are strengthened in our “inner man” through faith.
• We experience the “Abundant Life” Jesus promised in John 10:10.

This isn’t a one-time event, but a daily practice of confessing self-centeredness and asking the Holy Spirit to live the life of Jesus through us. There is immense joy in letting go and watching God work!

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