What does it mean to crucify the flesh (Galatians 5:24)?

The Apostle Paul’s words in Galatians 5:24—“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires”—have intrigued and challenged Christians for centuries. What does it really mean to "crucify the flesh"? Is it a call to extreme self-denial, or is Paul pointing to a deeper spiritual reality? Understanding this phrase is essential for anyone seeking to live out an authentic Christian faith.

Defining "the Flesh" in Paul’s Letters

To grasp Paul’s message, we must first clarify what he means by "the flesh." In the New Testament, particularly in Paul’s writings, "flesh" (Greek: sarx) often refers not to the physical body, but to the fallen human nature—our inner propensity toward sin, self-centeredness, and rebellion against God. It is the part of us that resists the Spirit and seeks fulfillment apart from God’s will. In Galatians 5, Paul contrasts the "works of the flesh"—such as immorality, jealousy, and fits of rage—with the "fruit of the Spirit," which includes love, joy, and self-control.

The Symbolism of Crucifixion

Paul’s use of the word “crucified” is deliberate and powerful. Crucifixion was the most brutal and final form of execution in the ancient world, symbolizing utter death and separation. By saying believers have "crucified the flesh," Paul is emphasizing that following Christ involves a decisive and irreversible break with our old way of life. It is not a gentle process, but a radical renunciation of the sinful desires that once controlled us.

How Is the Flesh Crucified?

The act of crucifying the flesh is both a past event and a present, ongoing reality. At conversion, when a person puts their faith in Christ, they are united with Him in His death and resurrection (Romans 6:6). This means that, spiritually, their old self is put to death. However, Paul also calls believers to actively "put to death" the misdeeds of the body (Romans 8:13) and to "put off" the old self (Ephesians 4:22). In other words, crucifying the flesh is something that has happened through our identification with Christ, but it is also something we must continually practice through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Practical Implications for Daily Life

Crucifying the flesh is not about punishing the body or denying legitimate human needs. Instead, it is about saying no to sinful impulses and choosing to walk in step with the Spirit. This can look like refusing to indulge in anger or lust, resisting the urge to gossip, or choosing generosity over selfishness. It is a daily commitment to align our attitudes, desires, and actions with God’s will, empowered by His Spirit.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

Paul makes it clear that we cannot crucify the flesh in our own strength. The context of Galatians 5 is life in the Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit grows in us as we yield ourselves to God, seek His guidance, and rely on His power in moments of temptation. The Spirit enables us to desire what pleases God and to say no to what draws us away from Him.

The Goal: Freedom and Transformation

The purpose of crucifying the flesh is not to rob us of joy, but to free us from the tyranny of our sinful nature. Paul writes earlier in Galatians 5 that "it is for freedom that Christ has set us free" (Galatians 5:1). As we put to death our old ways and embrace the life of the Spirit, we experience true transformation—becoming more like Christ and bearing fruit that blesses others.

Conclusion

To crucify the flesh, then, is to make a decisive break with the patterns of sin and self-centeredness, choosing instead the life and freedom that Christ offers. It is a daily, Spirit-empowered surrender to God’s will. For every believer, this is both a challenge and a hope: that as we embrace the cross, we find new life, true freedom, and the joy of becoming who God created us to be.