Already Crucified: Embracing the Finished Work of Christ in Galatians 5:24

You don’t need to break free—Christ already did. Now walk in the light of that freedom

Too often, well-meaning pastors and teachers instruct believers to crucify their flesh as a present, ongoing effort. But Paul, in Galatians 5:24, speaks in the past tense: “Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” That’s not a command—it’s a completed judicial fact.

The real Christian life isn’t about performing spiritual surgery on yourself. It’s about believing the truth of what God has already declared true through your union with Christ.

When Paul says in Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me,” he’s describing something that already happened the moment we were placed into Christ. Romans 6 further confirms this: “Our old self was crucified with Him…” (v. 6). Our responsibility isn’t to crucify ourselves—but to reckon what God has already declared to be true (Romans 6:11).

That’s the difference between flesh-powered religion and Spirit-led living.

When the flesh rises up—when ungodly desires or habits attempt to reclaim their hold—we don’t go to war with the old self. We remind our hearts: he’s dead. We rest in our union with Christ. And as we do, the Spirit expresses Christ’s life through us.

📓 Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit

Child, stop trying to kill what I’ve already declared crucified.
You are not called to die daily—I’ve already placed you in the death and resurrection of My Son.
The flesh may whisper, but it no longer rules.
You are Mine. Joined to Me. And I now live in you.

When sin calls, don’t respond with struggle—respond with truth.
I live in you to overcome what your flesh cannot.
Depend on Me. Rely on Me.
And as you walk, I will express Christ’s gentleness, self-control, patience, and love—through you.

You don’t need more willpower.
You need more awareness of what is already yours.

Walk by the Spirit—and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.
Because the flesh has already been declared crucified.
You’re free. Now walk like it.

Scriptures referenced: Galatians 5:24, Galatians 2:20, Romans 6:6–11, Colossians 3:3, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Romans 8:2

✨ Real-Life Analogy

It’s like being released from prison and still sleeping in your cell.
The door is open. The chains are gone. But if you forget who you are, you’ll live like a captive.

Believers who try to crucify themselves again are like free men holding shackles that no longer lock.

🙏 Prayer of Confidence

Father, I thank You that I am not striving to die daily—I’ve already died with Christ.
I no longer live—but Christ lives in me.
I rest in the truth that my old self was crucified, and sin has no dominion over me.
Let me walk by the Spirit today, trusting You to express Your life through me moment by moment.
I reject self-effort. I receive resurrection life.
Thank You for freedom in Christ.