I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 (NIV)
Galatians 2:20 is all about life. The gospel brings you into the power of a new life. Some people have a sort of “spit and polish” view of the gospel. It goes like this: We all have our sins and our failures. None of us is perfect. So, we need a good wash, and that’s what Christ does for us. And when that happens, we scrub up pretty nice.
But the Bible makes it clear that we need a lot more than a good wash. We need a complete renovation. The gospel goes far deeper than a quick cleanup on the outside; it is about a complete makeover on the inside.
When Christ comes to live in you, your life is like a house that needs everything done to it—new foundation, new plumbing, new wiring, new ductwork, new joists, and new insulation. The gospel is more than forgiveness. It is about Christ restoring your mind and your heart, your spirit and your desires. It is about Christ healing your memories and redirecting your dreams. It is about Christ making you what God intended you to be.
Christ is not interested in putting a quick lick of paint on the house of your life. He is the master builder. He is the loving restorer. When He comes to live in you, He undertakes a complete restoration so that He can make His home with you for eternity.
How have you seen Jesus change you on the inside? Or are you still holding onto a few religious traditions that make little difference to who you really are?
