Living On The Resurrection Side

LIVING ON THE RESURRECTION SIDE

“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 2:20

Why are so many Christians living defeated lives? Why do believers have a sour expression on their faces --- like they've been baptized in lemon juice? Some have mastered the art of complaining. Others live in fear and worry. Many seem to be motivated more by their feelings than their faith.

You see, some live as if it is pre-Easter, as if the crucifixion and resurrection hasn't occurred. They seek, in vain, to reach God through their own effort and accomplishments. Others live on the crucifixion side of life, but never get to the resurrection side. They are constantly repenting but never rejoicing. As believers, we are called to live on the resurrection side. That's how Paul lived.

Writing to the Galatians, the Apostle Paul testifies of himself when he wrote: “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.” Paul was living on the resurrection side.

CRUCIFIXION WITH CHRIST

First of all, Paul wrote, “I am crucified with Christ.” When a person gets saved, his old life is crucified with Jesus. The Bible says, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” The old person dies … being crucified with the Lord. The old person and his evil ways pass away.

We must die to sin. No, I am referring to self-mutilation or suicide. Instead, I am referring to bringing your past to Calvary and having your sins nailed the cross.

Jesus taught us a lesson in John 12:24 about the need for such a death. Jesus said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.” It was only through the death of Jesus, that we experience forgiveness. The principle He taught in this verse is applicable for us as well. It is only when we die to sin that we really begin to live and be fruitful.

RESURRECTION WITH CHRIST

Although Paul had been crucified with Christ, notice the rest of his testimony: “... 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.” Crucifixion must precede resurrection.

Notice three things about living on the resurrection side. First of all, there is life with Christ. Paul wrote, “Nevertheless I live.” Just as Jesus arose on the third day, a man who is crucified with Christ will experience life. The Bible refers to conversion as passing from death to life. The life we receive is eternal in nature. It is abundant life. This life occurs because Jesus, who is life (John 14:6), lives within us. Paul wrote, “Christ liveth in me.” We live on the resurrection side because the risen Redeemer lives within us. Consider that! THE SAME LORD WHO WALK THE SHORE OF GALILEE, PERFORMED MIRACLES AND CHANGED LIVES IS THE SAME ONE WHO LIVES WITHIN US!!!! That fact should rock our world daily.

Secondly, there is leaning on Christ. Paul wrote, “... the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God.” When we live on the resurrection side, we live by faith, not by sight. Rather than being defeated by our feelings or circumstances, we live with confidence, trusting in the Lord.

Finally, there is love for Christ. Paul wrote that the Son of God, “...loved me, and gave himself for me.” Our lives become motivated by a deep love for Jesus, as we remember all He has done for us. We love Him because He first loved us.

The reason that people live defeated lives is because they aren't living on the resurrection side. The late Adrian Rogers once said, “We ought to be living as if Jesus died yesterday, rose this morning, and is coming back this afternoon.” That is living on the resurrection side!

With the old life crucified at conversion, we experience new life because Jesus moves in and lives His life in us. That is living on the resurrection side.

Water baptism demonstrates this. When a person is placed under the water, they are buried with Christ. It is the burial of an old life. The old life has died and is buried in a liquid grave. The person is brought back out of the water to live and walk in newness of life. Just as Jesus come forth from the tomb, a baptized believer arises to a new life. That is living on the resurrection side!

If we claim that Jesus rose from the dead, we should live like it!