When the Lord Jesus Christ went to the cross, he didn't die as a private individual. He died as the great representative of his people. His death was their death. When he hung there, every one of his saints paid what justice demanded. They made full expiation to divine vengeance for every sin.

Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles, delighted to think about this truth: as one of Christ's chosen, he had died on that cross in Christ. But Paul did more than hold this as theological theory. He staked his entire hope on it! He believed that through Christ's death, he had satisfied divine justice and found reconciliation with God.

Beloved, what a blessed thing it is when your soul can stretch itself out on the cross of Christ and know: "I am dead! The law has slain me, and now I am free from its power. In my Surety I have borne the curse. In my Substitute, everything the law could do to condemn me has already been executed. I am crucified with Christ!"

But Paul meant something even deeper than this. He didn't just believe in Christ's death. He didn't just trust in it. He actually felt its power working in him, causing the crucifixion of his old corrupt nature. When temptation whispered its pleasures, Paul could say, "I cannot enjoy these—I am dead to them."

Such is the experience of every true Christian. Once you receive Christ, you are to this world as one who is utterly dead. And yet! While conscious of death to the world, you can at the same time exclaim with the apostle, "Nevertheless I live!" You are fully alive unto God.

The Christian's life is a matchless riddle. No worldling can comprehend it; even the believer himself cannot understand it. Dead, yet alive! Crucified with Christ, and yet at the same time risen with Christ in newness of life!

Union with the suffering, bleeding Savior—death to the world and sin—these are soul-cheering things. O for more enjoyment of them!