Crucified to the World – What does that Mean?
"But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by [a]whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” (Gal 6:14)
What does this verse mean practically?
We imagine a crucifixion in ancient times. A condemned criminal is hanging on the cross, facing imminent death. It is obvious: he will not invite any of the bystanders to his home - and no one will invite him back. Why not? Because everything around him is already dead to him, just as he is already a dead man to everyone else.
The application is not difficult: if we practically realize that we are crucified with the Lord Jesus (as Paul writes: Gal 2:19), this has two consequences for us:
- The worldThe word is used with different meanings. It can mean the whole of humanity (Gen 41:57) or the created world (Rom 1:20), but also a moral system that is opposed... More is dead to us. We realize that the worldThe word is used with different meanings. It can mean the whole of humanity (Gen 41:57) or the created world (Rom 1:20), but also a moral system that is opposed... More, which crucified our Lord, feels the same way about us. So we can no longer do anything with it. Clear devotion to ChristA title of the Lord Jesus, which is also used as an epithet; Messiah (Hebrew) and Christ (Greek) mean "anointed one". The title refers to the fact that Jesus is... More helps us to have the right relationship with the worldThe word is used with different meanings. It can mean the whole of humanity (Gen 41:57) or the created world (Rom 1:20), but also a moral system that is opposed... More.
- We are dead to the worldThe word is used with different meanings. It can mean the whole of humanity (Gen 41:57) or the created world (Rom 1:20), but also a moral system that is opposed... More. Once it realizes where we stand, it will give us a wide berth. Radical devotion helps us to make sure that the worldThe word is used with different meanings. It can mean the whole of humanity (Gen 41:57) or the created world (Rom 1:20), but also a moral system that is opposed... More has the right relationship with us.
A word to young people: If you are repeatedly invited to morally questionable parties by unbelieving school or university friends, or if an unbelieving person of the opposite sex keeps flirting with you, it will be helpful to take a clear positionThe Christian position cannot be separated from Christian practice, but a distinction must be made. "Position" means how God sees us now. In the eyes of God, we are "in... More and take a stand. The first time you can stammer "I'm afraid I can't today", and the second time a "Sorry, I have other plans" will help. But after a while, it becomes difficult to find excuses. But once you've said it two or three times: "I can't do this or that because I'm a Christian", then the temptations will stop automatically. Then the world will see: "OK, this person is dead".
Have the courage to take the side of the crucified one!
