Even though the Bible clearly states that
we were crucified in Christ, the overt or tacit denial of the literality of
this truth by most theologians is often explained away as “positional truth.”
The bare bones of positional truth is much like an insurance policy. It teaches
that we Christians must physically die before we can collect the benefits. The
Bible does indeed speak of experiences that will be actualized only after we
leave our earthsuits, but the language in such instances carries the future tense
to indicate that this is the case. Our crucifixion in Christ is exactly the
opposite. It is conveyed in past-tense verbs: “Knowing this, that our old [man]
was crucified with Him”; “I have been crucified with Christ” (Romans 6:6;
Galatians 2:20). It’s a done deal.
The Christian who treats this teaching as
if it were not present-day reality is misinterpreting God’s word. The verbs
don’t lie. And we’re not dealing with an insignificant issue, such as whether
you will get to name your white horse in heaven (Revelation 19:14). We’re
dealing with the key to experiencing an overcoming life. God had no plan for
making something beautiful of your life— that do-it-yourself life inherited
from Adam.
God’s plan is to kill that life and
re-create you with an overcoming, obedient life—Christ as life. Christ is more
than Savior and Lord; He is our life: “Jesus said, ‘I am the way, and the
truth, and the life’” (John 14:6). God did not change your life, He exchanged
your life— your old life for Christ as life.
- Bill Gillham
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