Picture: Counsel #21 — Identity in Crucifixion CSL 31.1
When we commit and say, "Yes, Jesus, I welcome you as my Savior and Lord," something shifts. We’re made right with God. Instead of God appearing as if He’s waiting to condemn us, we now see Him as He is, a Friend we deeply value. The Spirit awakens a love for Him within us that naturally desires to live for Him, not just for ourselves. We identify so completely with Jesus’ journey—His life, death, and resurrection—that we confidently say: "The old me who loved the world has died with Christ. ‘I’ no longer live, but Christ lives through me, and the life I’m experiencing now is truly His."[40] https://www.littletonsdachurch.org/resources/pastor-s-blog/christ-and-him-crucified/ CSL 31.2
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.” Galatians 2:20 NKJV CSL 31.3
“It would be good for us to spend a thoughtful hour each day in thinking about the life of Christ. We should take it point by point and let the imagination grasp each scene, especially the closing ones. If we do, our confidence in Him will be more constant, our love will be awakened, and we will be filled with His spirit.” Ellen White in Humble Hero, p. 32 CSL 31.4
Reflect: How do you actively create space in your life to reflect on Christ in a way that increases this deeper love and allows you to be filled with His Spirit? What gets in the way of that? CSL 31.5
