John Calvin Commentary Galatians 5:24

"And they that are of Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with the passions and the lusts thereof." — Galatians 5:24 (ASV)

And they that are Christ’s. He adds this to show that all Christians have renounced the flesh and therefore enjoy freedom. While he makes this statement, the apostle reminds the Galatians what true Christianity is regarding life, and thus guards them against a false profession of Christianity. The word crucified is used to point out that the mortification of the flesh is the effect of the cross of Christ. This work does not belong to man. By the grace of Christ, we have been planted together in the likeness of his death (Romans 6:5), that we might no longer live for ourselves.

If we are buried with Christ, by true self-denial and by the destruction of the old man, we will then enjoy the privilege of the sons of God.

The flesh is not yet indeed entirely destroyed; but it has no right to exercise dominion and ought to yield to the Spirit.

The flesh and its lusts are a figure of speech with exactly the same meaning as the tree and its fruits. The flesh itself is the depravity of corrupt nature, from which all evil actions proceed (Matthew 15:19, Mark 7:21).

Therefore, it follows that the members of Christ have cause to complain if they are still held in bondage to the law, from which all who have been regenerated by His Spirit are set free.