Matthew Henry Commentary Galatians 2:20-21

"I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I that live, but Christ living in me: and that [life] which I now live in the flesh I live in faith, [the faith] which is in the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself up for me. I do not make void the grace of God: for if righteousness is through the law, then Christ died for nought." — Galatians 2:20-21 (ASV)

Here, in his own person, the apostle describes the spiritual or hidden life of a believer. The old man is crucified (Romans 6:6), but the new man is living; sin is mortified, and grace is quickened. He has the comforts and the triumphs of grace; yet that grace is not from himself, but from another. Believers see themselves living in a state of dependence on Christ. Therefore, although he lives in the flesh, yet he does not live after the flesh.

Those who have true faith live by that faith, and faith fastens upon Christ's giving himself for us. He loved me, and gave himself for me. It is as if the apostle said: The Lord saw me fleeing from him more and more. Such wickedness, error, and ignorance were in my will and understanding that it was not possible for me to be ransomed by any other means than by such a price. Consider this price well.

Notice here the false faith of many. And their profession is accordingly: they have the form of godliness without the power of it. They think they believe the articles of faith correctly, but they are deceived. For to believe in Christ crucified is not only to believe that he was crucified, but also to believe that I am crucified with him. And this is to know Christ crucified.

Thus we learn what is the nature of grace. God's grace cannot stand with man's merit. Grace is no grace unless it is freely given in every way. The more simply the believer relies on Christ for everything, the more devotedly he walks before him in all his ordinances and commandments. Christ lives and reigns in him, and he lives here on earth by faith in the Son of God, which works by love, causes obedience, and changes him into his holy image.

Thus he neither abuses the grace of God, nor makes it in vain.