IDENTIFICATION WITH CHRIST by Chip Brogden

Admin Sun 07 Feb 2010, 3:45 pm

IDENTIFICATION WITH CHRIST by Chip Brogden

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Paul says something very peculiar in Galatians 2:20: "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me." Does Paul mean to say that he was physically there with Christ on the Cross when Jesus died? We know that Jesus was crucified between two thieves and that Paul was probably not even present at the actual, historical event of the crucifixion of Christ.

Then, Paul says that even though he was crucified, he lives. Does Paul mean to say that he was raised from the dead with Jesus also? If so, why have we not heard about this before now? Finally he says he is not really living at all, but Christ lives in him. To the natural mind, of course, this all sounds very strange. This is why we must discern spiritual things spiritually.
It should be obvious that Paul is talking about something other than a physical crucifixion and a physical death, burial, and resurrection. Although he says, "I was crucified with Christ" he does not mean that he was present with Christ in the flesh at the moment of crucifixion; instead, he intends to show us something much more profound. We will soon discover that this experience of being crucified with Christ is not unique to the apostle Paul, but is true of every born-again child of God. Not only Paul, but all disciples of Jesus have been crucified with Christ.
How is this possible? The Bible says that there is an invisible but very powerful union that exists between Jesus and all His disciples; they are one Body. It is a spiritual union. This spiritual union forms the basis of our relationship and fellowship with Christ. Jesus says, "I am the True Vine... live in Me, and I will live in you" (Jn. 15:1,4a). Jesus compares this union to a vine that has many branches. Each branch lives in union with the vine. The same life flowing in the vine is also flowing in the branches. Jesus says He is the True Vine, and we are His branches. This is spiritual union. As branches, we can only grow and produce spiritual fruit so long as we continue to live, dwell in, abide, and be part of the Vine. So then, union with God is not the reward for spirituality; it is the basis of spirituality....
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I am your brother,
IDENTIFICATION WITH CHRIST by Chip Brogden Sig

IDENTIFICATION WITH CHRIST by Chip Brogden Sig

Chip Brogden
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