A Study Of The Cross Of Christ

Lesson Four - Crucified With Christ

Text: Gal. 2:20 - “I AM CRUCIFIED WITH CHRIST: NEVERTHELESS I LIVE; YET NOT I, BUT CHRIST LIVETH IN ME: AND THE LIFE WHICH I NOW LIVE IN THE FLESH I LIVE BY THE FAITH OF THE SON OF GOD, WHO LOVED ME, AND GAVE HIMSELF FOR ME.”

        As we further look at the study of the Cross, let's take a look in this lesson at what it means to be "crucified with Christ." This point Paul makes clear in this passage in Galatians, with the Name of Christ prominent. Paul has died to Law so that he might live for God, but this is true only because he has been joined to the Lord Jesus Christ by God the Father. Jesus died; so did Paul. Jesus rose again, so did Paul, and so have we.

        The Resurrection Life he is now living he is living through the Presence of the Lord Jesus Christ within him.  There are different ways in which Paul’s references to having died and come to life in Christ can be taken; he himself uses the images in different ways, even as we have previously stated.  At times, he refers to the participation of Christians in the benefits of Christ’s experiences. This means that Christians experience death and new life because Jesus experienced death and new life for them.

As well, he refers to an actual participation of the Believer in Christ’s Death and Resurrection conceived on the basis of the mystical union of the Believer with the Lord (Rom. 6:4-8; Col. 2:12-14, 20; 3:1-4). This last view is the hardest to understand, but it is the one involved here.

Romans 6:4-8
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. [5] For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: [6] 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. [7] For he that is dead is freed from sin. [8] Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him:

Col. 2:12-14
Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. [13] And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; [14] Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;

Col. 2:20
Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,

Col. 3:1-4
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. [2] Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. [3] For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. [4] When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

To Be "IN CHRIST"

2 Cor. 5:17-19
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. [18] And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; [19] To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.
 

    To be "in Christ,"  means to be so united to Christ by Faith that all the experiences of Christ become the Christian’s experiences, which are intended by the Holy Spirit. Thus, His Death for sin was the Believer’s death; His Resurrection was (in one sense) the Believer’s Resurrection; His Ascension was the Believer’s ascension, so that the Believer is (again in one sense) seated with Christ “in the heavenly realms” even as we have previously stated (Eph. 2:6).

Eph. 2:6
And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
 

    This thought is particularly evident in Paul’s use of the manner in which he speaks of having been crucified with Christ. In other words, it is evident in the Greek Text. He is referring to something which has happened in the past but which influence continues into the present.

        Paul died with Christ, and so did we; that is, his “old man” died with Christ. This was arranged by God so that Christ, rather than the old Paul, and the old us, might live in us.  Paul is still living, but he adds that the life he lives now is lived “by Faith.” It is a different type of life altogether than that which he was striving to live under the Law. In another sense, it is not Paul who is living at all, but rather Christ Who lives in him.

Crucified With Christ

        The phrase, “I am crucified with Christ,” is as stated in the Greek in the perfect tense, which speaks of a past completed action having present continuing results. Paul uses it to show that his identification with Christ at the Cross was a past fact, and that the spiritual benefits that have come to him through his identification are present realities with him.

        By this statement, he also shows how he died to the Law, namely by dying with Christ Who died under its penalty. The Law’s demands were satisfied, as stated, and, therefore, have no more hold on Paul. But thus being crucified with Christ, meant also to Paul, death to self. When Paul died with Christ, it was the Pharisee Saul who died. What he was and did up to that time passed away so far as he was concerned. The old Saul was buried, and the old life with him. Consequently, the dominating control of the Adamic nature had its power over him broken.

        Even as we have already stated, the phrase, “I am crucified with Christ,” as given in the Greek stipulates something which happened in the past, but continues to have a present effect upon our daily walk with God. This is what many in the Church do not understand.

        They think the Cross pertains only to their Salvation experience, in other words, when they got saved. They do not realize, that the effects of what Jesus did at Calvary, continues to have visible results in our everyday lives, that is if we have Faith in that which was done, and understand what was done.

        In essence, that’s what Jesus was speaking about when He said that we are to “take up our Cross daily and follow Him” (Lk. 9:23).

Luke 9:23
And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

        First of all, the taking up of the Cross, refers to our trusting in what was done there for our Salvation and our continued everyday victory in Christ. This, the Cross, is the answer to the difficulties, problems and ills of man. In fact, it is the only answer. Humanistic psychology holds no answers and neither do the heathenistic religions of the world. Only what Jesus did on the “Cross.”

        Through Faith in the Cross alone, can victory be had over the sins of the flesh, whatever those sins may be.  As well, Jesus used the word “daily,” as it referred to taking up the Cross, and meant for it to be a daily affair. In other words, we are to trust on a daily basis for our victory, in what Christ did at Calvary now nearly 2,000 years ago.  Please allow me to say this again, that this is the only avenue of victory provided for us, and the only avenue in which the Holy Spirit will work.

        This means, that the Charismatic Churches who teach that the Cross only pertains to our Salvation, and has no more bearing on our present living, are completely off base. Many of these Churches, and regrettably they number into the thousands, will not even sing any songs about the Cross in their Services, or the Blood of Christ, calling such “past miseries.” Consequently, by such thinking, Satan has succeeded in cutting them off from the only victory possible to them.

Our Flesh And The Cross

        That of which Paul speaks, is something more than that of merely “dying with Christ” — i.e., imitating the Death of Christ after a spiritual manner: it involves, as well, a special reference to the Cross.

        It is through the Power of the Cross, through contemplating the Cross and all that is associated with it, that the Christian is enabled to mortify the promptings of sin within him, and reduce such to a state of passiveness (powerlessness) like that of death. Sin shall NOT have dominion over us any longer!

Romans 6:14-17
For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. [15] What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. [16] Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? [17] But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.

        This is one of the most significant theological concepts. When a man enters into Christ he literally enters into His Death. In effect, and as stated, he dies with Christ. This is more than a figure of speech, merely describing a psychological separation or deliverance from sin. It means that by Faith a man makes Christ’s death his own. The future result is that he does not face eternal death for his sins.

        Even as we have stated, there is also a present benefit. The power of sin is broken in a man’s life, because he died to sin with Christ. Of particular significance to the present context is the fact that death with Christ is the only way (Faith in what was accomplished at the Cross) that those enslaved by the Law can find freedom.

        It is imperative that the sinner’s death with Christ not be confused with Crucifixion of one’s essential selfhood or what is often termed self-crucifixion. It is rather the old, inner self, helplessly and hopelessly depraved by sin, that dies. Paul’s terminology is strange to modern ways of thinking, yet it depicts a truth that is well known in human experience. In reality, the new self in Christ, is not to be destroyed, but rather remains in Christ. That is the ideal and what the Holy Spirit intends (Lk. 9:23-26).

Luke 9:23-26
And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. [24] For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. [25] For what is a man advantaged, if he gain the whole world, and lose himself, or be cast away? [26] For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.

The Crucifixion Of Christ
 

        The execution of Jesus on the Cross is a historical event. We may debate the exact configuration of the Cross and dispute the precise location of Jerusalem’s public execution grounds. But we cannot debate the clear teaching of the Bible about the meaning of the Cross in God’s Plan and in our lives today.  The story of the Crucifixion is told in all of the Gospels (Mat. Ch. 27; Mk. Ch. 15; Lk. Ch. 23; Jn. Ch. 19). What at first seemed to the Disciples to be a tragedy was recognized after the Resurrection as the Source of Salvation and Hope.

        In his first recorded Evangelistic Sermon after the Ascension, Peter presented Jesus’ Crucifixion as something determined “by God’s set purpose and foreknowledge” (Acts 2:23). Forgiveness can be found only in the Crucified and risen Lord (Acts 2:38-39; 4:10-12).

Acts 2:38-39
Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. [39] For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

Acts 4:10-12
Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. [11] This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. [12] Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
 

        That first Message called on the people of Jerusalem to put their trust in the person of the Crucified and risen Savior. Later Paul explained that the Cross is God’s means for reconciling “all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through His Blood, shed on the Cross” (Col. 1:20).

        Through the Crucifixion, we have been offered life, and those who put their trust in Christ have been forgiven for all their sins. All that could condemn us was washed away at Calvary (Col. 2:13-17).

        In addition, the barriers that divide humanity and create hostilities were abolished, for people of every culture are brought to God through the Cross (Eph. 2:16). Because of the Crucifixion we have peace with God and access to the Father and have become members of God’s Own household (Eph. 2:17-19).

        Jesus’ Crucifixion and Resurrection were God’s only way to bring all these benefits to humanity. In view of all that Jesus has accomplished, it is no wonder that the writer of Hebrews confronts Jews who did not grasp it all and were tempted to turn back to an Old Testament Faith to find in Old Testament Law the means for completing their Salvation.  Will they crucify Jesus again? Are they shamelessly implying that the Cross did not accomplish all that God says it has? (Heb. 6:6).

Col. 1:20
And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.

Col. 2:13-17
And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; [14] Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; [15] And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. [16] Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: [17] Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

Ephes. 2:17-19
And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. [18] For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. [19] Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

Hebrews 6:6
If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.

 

The Cross, The Christian Message
 

        When the Apostle Paul evangelized Corinth, he refused to rely on his training and rhetorical skills. He preached the Gospel simply and plainly and relied on the Divine Power inherent in the Message of the Cross (I Cor. 1:17; Rom. 1:16).  Those who perish will think the Cross is foolishness, but those who are being saved will recognize it as the Message that bears the stamp of God’s Own Authority (I Cor. 1:18)

1 Cor. 1:17-18
For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect.
[18] For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. .

        Because the Cross is central to the Christian Gospel, Paul often uses “the Cross” as a term for the Gospel itself (I Cor. 1:18; Gal. 5:11; 6:12, 14; Phil. 3:18).  The New Testament speaks of our Crucifixion with Jesus (Rom. 6:6; Gal. 2:20; 5:24; 6:14).

Galatians 5:11
And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased.

Galatians 6:12
As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.

Galatians 6:14
But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

Romans 6:6
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.

Galatians 2:20
I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Galatians 5:24
And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

Galatians 6:14
But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.

Philip. 3:18
(For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ:

        The key to understanding the reference is the concept of Identification. The union that each Believer has with Jesus is so close that everything that happened to Jesus is considered to have happened to us. Through our union with Jesus and by the Divine Power that raised Jesus from the dead, we experience not only Crucifixion but also renewal and keeping power (Rom. 6:1-14; 8:1-4).

Romans 6:14
For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

Romans 8:1-4
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. [2] For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. [3] For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: [4] That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

        Marriage provides an illustration of Identification. A poverty-stricken woman who marries a millionaire becomes a millionaire when the wedding takes place. Even if the couple divorced later, the law treats his millions as though she had participated in earning them, and that participation will be reflected in the divorce settlement.  But God will never divorce us. All that Christ has done and all that He now is, are ours through our relationship with Him.

Our Daily Cross

        This enigmatic concept must be important, for all three Gospels report Jesus’ encouragement to His Disciples to take up their Cross and follow Him (Mat. 10:38; 16:24; Mk. 8:34; Lk. 9:23; 14:27). In all of these reports the word “Cross” is used symbolically. When Jesus was faced with imminent Crucifixion, He prayed in Gethsemane, “Father . . . take this cup from Me. Yet not what I will, but what You will” (Mk. 14:36).

Mark 14:36
And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.
 

        Here the Cross is the ultimate symbol of Jesus’ commitment to do the Will of God, whatever suffering that might bring for Him. Taking up our Cross to follow Jesus simply means that we are to imitate daily Jesus’ total willingness to do the Will of the Father, whatever that Will may hold for us. As well, and to which we have already alluded, it speaks of trusting fully in that which was accomplished at the Cross, thereby receiving its afforded victory paid for by Christ.

        The world little believes this great Truth, and sadly much of the Church follows suit. Consequently, it is a reproach in their eyes for one to trust solely in the Cross for life and victory; nevertheless, this is the only thing in history that affords life and victory. Such comes from no other source (Richards).

"Nevertheless I LIVE,"

        The phrase, “Nevertheless I live,” presents Saul the self-righteous Pharisee as having died, at least in Christ, but Paul the Great Apostle, lives.  The counterpart of death with Christ is always Resurrection and a new life in Him. The man of Faith walks in “newness of life” (Rom. 6:4), in the “likeness of His Resurrection” (Rom. 6:5), and “lives unto God” (Rom. 6:11). He “brings forth fruit unto God” (Rom. 7:4), and serves Him in “newness of spirit” (Rom. 7:6).

Romans 6:5
For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:

Romans 6:11
Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Romans 7:4
Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.

Romans 7:6
But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.

        It is vital to grasp the full impact of this wondrous Truth. Death to sin is significant only because it makes the new life possible. Deliverance from sin is the opening of the door to a glorious new life in Christ

YET NOT I

        The phrase, “Yet not I,” presents a life that is no longer self-centered, which characterizes all unbelievers, but a Christ-centered one. His new life is a Person, the Lord Jesus living in Paul. And through the Ministry of the Holy Spirit, the Lord Jesus is manifest in His life.

        The new life is no longer, like the former one, dependant upon the ineffectual efforts of a man attempting to draw near to God in his own Righteousness. The new life is a Person within a person, living out His life in that person.

        Instead of attempting to live his life in obedience to a set of rules in the form of the legal enactments of the Mosaic Law, Paul now yields to the indwelling Holy Spirit and cooperates with Him in the production of a life pleasing to God, energized by the Divine Life resident in him through the regenerating Work of the Spirit. Instead of a sinner with a totally depraved nature attempting to find acceptance with God by attempted obedience to a set of outward laws, it is now the Saint living his life on a new principle, that of the indwelling Holy Spirit manifesting forth the Lord Jesus (Wuest).

CHRIST LIVETH IN ME

        The phrase, “But Christ liveth in me,” presents Christ as the Source of all the life now enjoyed. Of course, Christ does not physically dwell in the Believer as should be obvious. However, this of which Paul says is of far greater dimension than a mere philosophic idea. The Truth of what Paul says is this:

        When Jesus died on the Cross, the believing sinner died in Him, which means that Jesus became our Substitute. Our Identification with Him through Faith, grants us all the privileges which the Cross affords, which speaks of Salvation and Victory.

        When that is done, the Believer exhibits Faith in the Cross, in turn Jesus comes to live in the person. The idea is, as the believing sinner was in Christ when He died, at least in the Mind of God, upon continued Faith by the Believer, Jesus now lives in the Believer. The Holy Spirit is given to the Believer to guarantee the positive effects of Calvary.

A HYPOTHETICAL SITUATION

        While it is a guaranteed fact that all believing sinners were in Christ when He died, at least in the Mind of God, which is a necessity if one is to be saved, hypothetically, Christ is not allowed to live in the hearts and lives of many Believers. While that is not literally correct, for it cannot be literally correct, still, the great benefits of Jesus living in the Believer are not realized in the hearts and lives of most Christians. The reason is simple:

        Many Believers while having accepted the Cross as it regards their Salvation, however, try to maintain a life of victory after Salvation by reverting back to works. Consequently, Christ is made of no effect, with the Believer living his life as if though Christ did not reside within him. That being the case, the Holy Spirit will not function, and the Believer is doomed to failure, which probably characterizes most Christian lives.

        Most all Christians are clear on the Salvation process, but unclear on the continued victory process, thereby reverting back to works. The secret is to keep trusting in the Cross on a daily basis, believing that it not only afforded Salvation for our “born again” experience, but as well continues to provide power and strength for our daily walk before God, guaranteeing continued victory. “Liveth” in the Greek is “zao,” and means “to live,” or literally, “to live a life.” Jesus is in us in order to live through us the kind of life we must live and desire to live. He is not there as an idle bystander, but sadly, is reduced to that at times by our lack of Faith in the Cross.

THE LIFE WHICH I NOW LIVE

        The phrase, “And the life which I now live in the flesh,” refers to being in the flesh because that’s what we are, but not living according to the flesh, but according to Christ.

        Between the old life under sin and the new way of living, there is the “no-man’s-land” of life under self. Although the Believer has been freed from the grip of sin, he is still lord of his own life. Thus, Paul uses his personal example to set forth the ideal that God expected of them. Such a life involves a crisis capitulation, as the Believer surrenders his sovereignty to God.

        This is returning to God what man usurped in the Garden of Eden. Elsewhere it is described graphically in the imagery of a “love slave” presenting himself voluntarily to his master (Rom. 6:19), and as a Priest presenting his sacrifice on the Altar (Rom. 12:1).  The implications of this crisis must be lived out in a lifelong process, which Paul often refers to as walking or marching by the Spirit.  This new life under the Spirit is lived in the flesh, which here means in the present, earthly body — with all of its limitations, weaknesses, and temptations. It is also lived by . . . Faith.

FAITH

        The phrase, “I live by the Faith of the Son of God,” presents to us a part of this great Truth which is at times ignored, and as a consequence, causes great problems. Paul witnesses that, as he was justified  by Faith, so he lives the new life of the Spirit by Faith in the Son of God as well!

        The Believer’s surrendered sovereignty must not be confused with the sinner’s death with Christ. Also Paul never uses Death or Crucifixion as a metaphor of destruction of man’s God-given selfhood. In Pauline terms man’s will does not die, but is surrendered or presented to God.

        All the way the Believer’s life must be one of total dependence upon Christ, who loved me, and gave Himself for me.  It was by Faith in Christ that I first became partaker of this life; it is by Faith in Christ that I continue to partake of it; letting go my Faith in Christ, I then instantly lose this life in Christ, i.e., “His Victory.” There are three things the Believer must do as it regards continued victory in one’s life. They are as follows:

1. The Believer must understand that the Cross was not only for his Salvation, but his continued victory as well.

2. He must appropriate the benefits of the Cross on a “daily” basis, trusting in what Jesus did there (Lk. 9:23).

3. He must have Faith on a continuing basis, that this which Jesus did, in fact, has a present result in his life, and will overcome every power of darkness. In other words, this is not automatic, even as Paul says, it requires “Faith.”

        In respect to all of this, Paul refers to Jesus in His role of Deity as “the Son of God,” the magnificent title by which he recites Christ’s Personality. Consequently, Jesus possesses as such an absolutely commanding claim to His people’s adherence, which we dare not decline.

WHO LOVED ME
 

        The phrase, “Who loved me, and gave Himself for me,” presents the acknowledgement that everything in the Christian’s life finds its Source in the Love of Christ, which caused Him to die for us. There is no other motivation of Grace. This emphasis upon Love became a veritable creedal confession.

        Christ died for the whole world, proving that He loved the whole world, but each individual Christian has a right to appropriate His death to himself. The death of Christ was prompted by love, not for the abstraction of humanity, but for men as individuals.  This great love evidenced in such a manner is completely beyond the comprehension of mortal men. In fact, the entirety of the basis of Christianity is built upon the foundation of Love which spawns Grace, which of necessity Grace must have, that is if it is to be Grace.

        As well, and as we’ve already stated, this statement as given by the Holy Spirit through Paul, presents this great Gift of God on a very personal basis. In other words, He personally gave Himself to each one of us as individuals, even as sinful and wicked as we were, but thank God, through Him, no longer are.

I Do Not Frustrate The Grace Of God...

Gal. 2:21 - “I DO NOT FRUSTRATE THE GRACE OF GOD: FOR IF RIGHTEOUSNESS COME BY THE LAW, THEN CHRIST IS DEAD IN VAIN.”

        The last sentence of this Chapter is introduced abruptly and from a new point of view. In the preceding Verses Paul has answered the objections of his critics. Now he objects to their doctrine, showing that if they are right, then Christ has died in vain. The heart of Christianity lies in the Grace of God and in the Death of Jesus Christ.

        So, as Stott notes, “If anybody insists that Justification is by works, and that he can earn his Salvation by his own efforts, he is undermining the foundations of the great Christian Salvation in Christ. He is nullifying the Grace of God (because if Salvation is by works, it is not by Grace) and he is making Christ’s death superfluous (because if Salvation is our own work, then Christ’s work was unnecessary).”

        Paul’s logic is incontrovertible. Yet many still pursue the fallacious logic of the legalizers. They suppose that to earn their Salvation is somehow praiseworthy and noble, when actually it is vainglorious and ignoble. True nobility (and humility) is to except what God offers. One must either receive God’s offer of Salvation, which can only be received in His Way, or insult Him (Gaebelein).

FRUSTRATION OF THE GRACE OF GOD
 

        The phrase, “I do not frustrate the Grace of God,” presents the fact that there is no Salvation for the sinner who depends in the least upon good works as a means of acceptance with God. “Frustrate” is from the Greek “atheteo,” which means “to do away with something laid down, presented, or established, to act towards anything as though it were annulled, to thwart the efficacy of anything, to nullify, to make void.”

        All these meanings could be applied here to the act of adding law-works to Faith as the ground of a sinner’s Justification. One may preach that Christ died for our sins, but if he adds works to Faith as the means of the acceptance of the Salvation Christ procured for lost sinners at the Cross, he has thwarted the efficacy of Grace, for the fundamental meaning of Grace is that Salvation is given free, without money and without price (Isa. 55:1).

Isaiah 55:1
Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.
 

        The idea is, that if we do not permit the Grace of God to operate in us, we will not be overcoming Christians. Religion says, “I can do it.” Relationship says, “Christ can do it through me.”

A TWOFOLD STATEMENT
 

        If the sinner attempting to be saved, tries to bring about such results through his own good works, he automatically frustrates the Grace of God, and Salvation is forfeited as well.

        As well, if the Believer after coming to Christ, attempts to maintain his life of victory by reverting to works, he automatically frustrates the Grace of God, which means to stop its effectiveness, which means that he is doomed to failure in whatever it is that’s troubling him.

        I suspect that most Christians would claim that they readily know and understand this, but at the same time, I greatly suspect that most Christians do not know and understand this of which we speak. In fact, I don’t think that most Preachers fully understand it, and so not knowing what to do for those who are troubled by the powers of darkness, they recommend a Psychologist, etc.  The Truth is, and as negative as it may sound, the Church world as a whole is little attempting to properly divide the Word of Truth anymore, but is rather looking to other things.

        The Denominational Church World has pretty well denied the Holy Spirit. Consequently, there’s very little left but the “letter.”

The Pentecostal World is pretty well chasing after miracles and signs, whatever their origin.  The Charismatic Church World is pretty well seeking riches, i.e., “the prosperity gospel.”

        Consequently, Satan is having a field day. Admittedly and thankfully, there are exceptions to all of this which we have stated above, but I think the majority falls into this sphere.     Our answer for all things is in the Word of God and that means rightly dividing the Word, and not corrupting its contents (II Pet. 1:3-4).
 

2 Peter 1:3-4
According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: [4] Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

RIGHTEOUSNESS AND THE LAW
 

        The phrase, “For if Righteousness come by the Law, then Christ is dead in vain,” presents the simple meaning as is obvious, that if we can effect Salvation on our own, by our works and efforts, then what Jesus did, at such awful price, was completely unnecessary.

        As well, if humanistic psychology is the answer for the ills of man, even as the modern Church proclaims, again, why did Jesus have to come down and die on a Cross?

        If Justification can be secured by the observance of any law — Ceremonial or Moral — then there was no need of the death of Christ as an Atonement. This is clear and plain. If man by conformity to any law, by any effort, by any wisdom, could be justified before God, what need was there of an Atonement?

        It follows from these statements as given by Paul, which are overly obvious, that man cannot be justified by his own morality, or his good deeds, or his forms of religion, or his honesty and integrity. If he can, he needs no Savior — he can save himself, which is the contention of Satan and most of the world anyway.

        It follows, also, when men depend upon their own morality, and good works, they feel no need of a Savior; and this is the true reason why the mass of humanity rejects the Lord Jesus. They suppose that they do not deserve to be sent to Hell. They have no deep sense of guilt. They confide in their own integrity, and feel that God ought to save them.

Confiding in their own righteousness, they reject the Grace of God, and despise the Plan of Justification through the Redeemer.

THE NEED OF A SAVIOR
 

        To feel the need of a Savior, it is necessary to feel that we are lost and ruined sinners; that we have no merit on which we can rely; and that we are entirely dependent on the Mercy of God for Salvation. Thus feeling, we shall receive the Salvation of the Gospel with thankfulness and joy, and show that in regard to us Christ did not “die in vain.”

DELIVERANCE FROM THE LAW
 

        Almost 3500 years ago God gave to Israel, at Mt. Sinai, two tables of a Law, which no one since then has ever kept perfectly. This Law was the faultless expression of the Holy Will of God, and sinful man was unable to keep it.

        Some 1500 years after God gave this Law to Israel there had not been one single person who could claim complete obedience to this Law. This meant that all men were and are Lawbreakers, for one transgression was enough to bring a person under its curse. We repeat without apology, the all-inclusive indictment as given by the Apostle Paul:

        “For as many as are of the works of the Law are under the curse: for it is written, cursed is everyone that continues not in all things which are written in the Book of the Law to do them” (Gal. 3:10).  This Verse universally and individually condemns every man, for the demands of this Law are entirely out of reach of the best human who has ever lived. It was impossible for a sinner born with a depraved heart to please God by obedience to His Perfect, Holy Law. Again and again the Bible states that no flesh can be justified by the Works of the Law. In fact, the Law was never intended by God to justify anyone.

        Paul says in Galatians: “. . . if there had been a Law given which could have given life, verily Righteousness should have been by the Law.  “But the Scripture hath concluded all under sin . . .” (Gal. 3:21-22) (All were found to be unrighteous).

Galatians 3:21-22
Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. [22] But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.

THE NECESSITY OF THE DEATH OF CHRIST
 

        It is well to ponder those words: if it were possible for a sinner to have made himself acceptable in the sight of God by a life of perfect obedience to God’s Law, then there would have been no need, no occasion, for the Grace and the Mercy of God. It would have made the Death of Christ wholly unnecessary. For this reason Paul says:  “I do not frustrate the Grace of God: for if Righteousness come by the Law, then Christ is dead in vain” (Gal. 2:21).

Galatians 2:21
I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.

        What a charge to hurl against a Righteous God! If it were possible for man to attain Righteousness by keeping the Law, then God made a colossal mistake in sending His Son to die on the Cross. We repeat, if it were possible to be saved by his own merit, works, and obedience to God’s Law, or any other Law or effort for that matter, then there was no need of sacrificing the Son of God to save those who could have been saved by those other means. This is the force of these words:

“. . . if Righteousness come by the Law, then Christ is dead in vain” (Gal. 2:21). Then the Death of Christ on the Cross was wholly unnecessary and uncalled for. The question, therefore, arises over and over again: if the Law could neither Justify, Sanctify, or satisfy, then why did God give a Law which He knew no one would be able to keep?

        Is it not debasing to the Law to say that it could not save the sinner? What is wrong with the Perfect Law of God, if it can do absolutely nothing for the sinner as it regards the obtaining of Salvation? Listen! There is nothing wrong with the Law. The trouble is with the sinner. The standard of the Law is perfection and holiness. Paul says in Romans Chapter 7: “Wherefore the Law is Holy, and the Commandment Holy, and just, and good” (Rom. 7:12). And that is why we must be crucified with CHRIST, who DID keep the law of God FOR US, that we may receive the righteousness of the Law by FAITH. That is the message of the CROSS and why it is so vitally important to this generation!

Romans 7:12
Wherefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.