King James Bible
"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 declares his old self has died through union with Christ's crucifixion, yet paradoxically he continues to exist. This reflects the Christian doctrine of dying to sin and self through baptism and faith, while simultaneously experiencing new spiritual life. The apostle clarifies that his continuing life is not self-directed but Christ-animated—the risen Lord now inhabits and empowers him. This mystical union forms the core of Paul's theology, where believers become living temples of Christ's presence. Though still in a physical body, Paul's earthly existence operates through faith in Christ rather than law-keeping or human effort. This counters the Judaizers in Galatia who insisted Gentiles must follow Jewish law for salvation. Paul personalizes Christ's sacrifice, emphasizing the intimate love that motivated the cross. This shifts from theological abstraction to personal relationship, underscoring that salvation flows from Christ's self-giving love for each individual believer.