Cross: There is only one way that a sinner is justified in the sight of God: through the cross of Christ (Gal. 2:16; 3:1). It was at the cross Jesus became a curse for us (Gal. 3:13) and satisfied the wrath of God in our place (Rom. 3:25; Heb. 2:17; 1 John 4:10). On the basis of the cross alone, our faith—like Abraham’s—is reckoned as righteousness (Gal. 3:6-9).[1] But the cross has another dimension. The cross where the Savior died is also where Jesus calls us to die to self and follow Him.[2] He who is thus crucified with Christ has the life of Christ in him and he truly belongs to Christ (Gal. 2:20; 5:24).

Spirit: The sinner by himself can neither carry the cross nor walk the way of the cross. Only by the power of the Spirit can he do the impossible. The Spirit of God sets us apart for salvation (1 Pet. 1:2), persuades us of the love of God in Christ (Rom. 5:5), makes us obedient from the heart (Ezek. 36:27; Rom. 6:17), and gives us new life (John 3:6; 6:63; Tit. 3:5). It is He who made us to be born again (John 3:5-6) through His word (1 Pet. 1:23; James 1:18), and apart from Him we would remain spiritually dead and powerless. Having begun by the Spirit (Gal. 3:3), we must continue in the Spirit by sowing to the Spirit (Gal. 6:8), walking by the Spirit (Gal. 5:16), and being led by Him (Gal. 5:18). It is only as we continue to listen to His word by faith (Gal. 3:3-5) that the flesh is tamed (Gal. 5:18-21) and we bear the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23). Neglect not the Spirit nor seek a cheap substitute (Gal. 4:9-10).

[1] The cross is the emblem of Jesus’ atoning death that justifies sinners (Heb. 10:10-14; Col. 2:13-14).

[2] Cf. Matt. 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23; John 12:24-26. “Cross” and “crucify” occur often in Galatians; the two are combined in Gal. 2:20 and 6:14 as they are also in Rom. 6:4-7. Christ was crucified for sinners, and He calls them to be crucified with Him. All who belong to Christ embrace this duality of the cross (Gal. 5:24).