Here is my favorite Bible verse. "I have been crucified with Christ; and 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 up for me" (Galatians 2:20).

There is mystical union with Christ. Paul sees himself killed with Christ on the cross. His old hateful and degenerate self is dead. At the same time he lives. He lives because Christ lives within him by the power of the Holy Spirit. Paul’s new life comes to him by faith in Jesus Christ. Paul fought long and hard against Jesus. He finally came to his senses. He recognized Jesus as the Son of God. This Jesus was and is a divine person equal with God.

Because he was flooded with new life from above, Paul saw the love of God in giving His only begotten Son (John 3:16). Paul also concluded that Christ died on that cross to pay his debt of sin. It became intensely personal. Paul concluded of this Jesus whom He fought for so long, He "loved me and gave Himself for me."

We all need to come to the place of looking to Jesus and saying, He "loved me and gave Himself up for me."