"Been there, done that," is a phrase we sometimes use if we want to say to someone, "I've had that same kind of experience." It's our way of saying that we know what the other person has felt or experienced.

In a sense, believers can say that about the death and resurrection of Jesus. By faith in Jesus, we have become united with him so that his death and resurrection are considered ours. That's what Paul was talking about when he said, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me." The result is that Paul was no longer living for himself, but for Jesus. Jesus' life was pulsating through Paul. The same is true for every Christian.

How does this change the way we live?

First, sin does not control us. Sin is real, but it's not our master anymore. We died to it. We can obey God because Jesus, by his Spirit, lives in us.

Second, we have a new identity. Our life is about who we are in Jesus. Our old self with its ugly record and selfish tendencies does not define us. Who we are is the person we are in Jesus. We are new creatures.

Jesus loves us and gave himself for us. Are you living out your new life for him so that you can say, "I no longer live, but Christ lives in me"?