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Outline 073 of 100 · Galatians

Crucified With Christ

Galatians 2:16-21 — Justification by faith alone against the works of the law

Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.

Synopsis

Paul confronts Peter's compromise at Antioch by restating the gospel with clarity: 'a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ.' Even Jewish believers, who knew the law, had to trust Christ for justification, proving that no flesh is justified by law-keeping. Paul then makes the personal confession that anchors all Christian identity: 'I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.' This is not a legal fiction but a mystical union — the old self-righteous Paul died at the cross, and the life now lived is lived by faith in the Son of God who loved him and gave Himself for him. The chapter closes with a warning that if righteousness could come through the law, Christ died in vain — a statement that makes plain the stakes of this doctrine. Righteousness by faith is not one option among several but the only gospel there is.

  1. I. The doctrine stated

    • Not justified by works of the law
    • But by the faith of Jesus Christ
    • Even Jews needed to believe on Christ

  2. II. The identity transformed

    • "I am crucified with Christ"
    • "Nevertheless I live; yet not I"
    • "Christ liveth in me"

  3. III. The life now lived

    • "By the faith of the Son of God"
    • "Who loved me, and gave himself for me"
    • A life sustained by ongoing trust, not one-time decision only

  4. IV. The stakes made plain

    • "I do not frustrate the grace of God"
    • "If righteousness come by the law, Christ is dead in vain"
    • No compromise possible on this doctrine
The appeal

Your old self-righteous striving died with Christ at the cross. Will you stop trying to live by law-keeping and instead let Christ live His life in you today, by faith in the One who loved you and gave Himself for you?

Key points

  • No one is justified before God by keeping the law.
  • Union with Christ means the old self died and Christ now lives in the believer.
  • Justification by faith is essential to the gospel, not negotiable.

Key passages

  • Galatians 2:16
  • Galatians 2:20
  • Galatians 2:21
  • Romans 3:28