Cross of Christ

Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin – Romans 6:6

When you by faith look at Jesus on the cross, do you see yourself perhaps in the place of those who stood far away from the gruesome scene, observing and grieving but at a distance?

Or do you feel like the thief that hung next to Jesus and asked for a part in his kingdom, trusting in the fact that this mangled, crucified man is also your Lord who is about to come into his kingdom?

While both of these positions depict our relationship to Christ to some degree, what Paul wants us to see, when we look by faith at the cross, is ourselves crucified with Jesus — not just far off from him, or next to him, but hanging with him on the cross. Our old man, Paul says, is crucified with him.

This is attention-grabbing language to be sure, but what does he mean by it? Paul explains: our old, sinful nature—the body of sin—was conquered as a result of Christ’s death on the cross for us. So, in a very real and vital way, we should think of our old life, habits, and desires as being put to death there with Jesus.

It is no longer necessary for us to serve sin, to be slaves to our corrupt desires and emotions. The victory that Christ won on the cross sets us free to serve him.

Have you been crucified with Christ? If so, you are free from bondage to sin and have the power to live a new life to the glory of your Savior.