Crucified with Christ: A Call to Die and Live for Him

1) The Struggle for the Throne

A.W. Tozer wrote:
“In every Christian’s heart there is a cross and a throne, and the Christian is on the throne till he puts himself on the cross. If he refuses the cross, he remains on the throne… We want to be saved but we insist that Christ do all the dying. No cross for us, no dethronement, no dying.” (The Radical Cross: Living the Passion of Christ)

This picture portrays the reality of the struggle of a Christian. It is not a game of musical chairs. Human nature always strives to grab the throne and flee from the cross. It is a moment-by-moment choice.

2) Crucified with Christ

A disciple should joyfully and voluntarily choose to be crucified. With regular spiritual discipline and commitment, a disciple can declare like Paul:
“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.” (Galatians 2:20)

3) Buried with Christ

Paul writes that by faith, believers are buried with Him and raised up with Him:
“Having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised with Him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised Him from the dead.” (Colossians 2:12)

4) Made Alive in Christ

Paul brings into focus that the Christian life is identification with Lord Jesus Christ in crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. Sinners were dead in their trespasses, but Lord Jesus has made them alive, having forgiven their trespasses.
“And you, who were dead in your trespasses… God made alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our trespasses.” (Colossians 2:13)

5) Living a Resurrected Life

Christian life is everyday crucifixion, burial, and resurrection in Christ, demonstrated to the world by righteous, upright, and blameless living.

Am I crucified with Christ to rise up and live a holy life?