Living by Faith: Understanding Galatians 2:20 and the Faith of Christ
Galatians 2:20 has been a cornerstone for countless believers, encapsulating the exchanged life in a single verse:
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
One phrase in this verse has invited rich theological discussion: “faith in the Son of God” versus “faith of the Son of God.” Different Bible translations, such as the KJV and ESV, vary on this point, with some rendering it as “faith of the Son of God” and others as “faith in the Son of God.”
A Look at the Greek
The phrase in question stems from the Greek “pistis tou huiou tou Theou” (πίστις τοῦ υἱοῦ τοῦ Θεοῦ). The Greek construction allows for both subjective genitive (the faith possessed by the Son of God) and objective genitive (faith directed toward the Son of God).
Both interpretations are grammatically valid and contextually fitting. This linguistic nuance is why some translations highlight our faith in Christ, while others emphasize the faithfulness of Christ or His own faith as a resource for us.
Why Both Are Sound
Rather than being contradictory, these translations reflect complementary truths about the Christian life:
Faith in the Son of God emphasizes our active trust in Jesus as Savior and source of life.
Faith of the Son of God highlights Christ’s perfect faith and faithfulness, which believers can rely upon.
This dual understanding enriches our appreciation of the verse, as it invites us to explore both the act of trusting Christ and the reality of living by His faith.
Living by Faith in Christ
Let’s begin with the more familiar rendering, “faith in the Son of God.” This translation points us to the believer’s active trust in Jesus. The life we live as Christians is no longer our own; it’s a life dependent on trusting Him for everything—our righteousness, strength, and purpose.
Paul’s life exemplified this dependence. In Philippians 3:8-9, he writes:
“I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord…not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ.”
Paul trusted Christ as the source of his righteousness and the power to live a transformed life. This same active trust is the foundation of our walk with Him.
Living by the Faith of Christ
The alternative translation, “faith of the Son of God,” highlights an even deeper truth: not only do we trust in Christ, but we live by His very faith.
Christ’s Faithfulness as the Foundation
Jesus, as the perfect human and divine Savior, lived in complete faithfulness to the Father. This faithfulness carried Him through every moment of His earthly life, including His journey to the cross. His obedience, rooted in trust, fulfilled the Father’s redemptive plan for humanity.
The Faith of Christ Within Us
Yet this translation also points to Christ’s faith as something now available to us because of our union with Him. Galatians 2:20 declares: “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” If Christ lives in us, then His perfect faith is part of the life we now live.
Ephesians 1:3 reminds us that God “has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places.” Among these blessings is the faith of Christ—faith that trusts perfectly and acts in complete alignment with the Father’s will.
This truth is liberating: when our own faith feels weak or falters, we can lean on the faith of Christ. As Paul writes in 2 Timothy 2:13: “If we are faithless, He remains faithful.”
Faith in Action: His Strength Through Our Weakness
The faith of Christ working within us means we are no longer limited by our own capacity to believe. Instead:
When doubts arise, we can rest in His perfect trust.
When trials overwhelm, His faithfulness anchors us.
When our faith feels small, His faith within us sustains and strengthens us.
Paul beautifully encapsulates this truth in 2 Corinthians 12:9: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Living by the faith of Christ transforms our walk with God, replacing striving with surrender and self-reliance with His sufficiency.
Walking by Faith: How These Truths Transform Us
Faith in Action
Whether we focus on faith in Christ or faith of Christ, the result is the same: we are called to live by faith. But what does this look like practically?
Paul outlines this process in Romans 6:11-14:
Know – We must know the truth that our old self was crucified with Christ and that we are now alive to God (Romans 6:6, 11).
Reckon – By faith, we count ourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ (Romans 6:11).
Yield – We yield ourselves to God, presenting ourselves as instruments of righteousness (Romans 6:13).
Walk – Finally, we walk in newness of life, relying on the indwelling Spirit of Christ (Romans 8:4).
This progression shows that living by faith isn’t passive. It’s a daily choice to trust in what Christ has accomplished and to walk in His power.
A Personal Testimony
One of the most profound realizations for me came when I grasped that living by faith isn’t about mustering up my own strength or even my own faith. It’s about relying on Christ’s life—and yes, His faith—within me.
When I began to live “as if” these truths were fully true (because they are), I experienced freedom from anxiety and depression that had plagued me for two decades. Acting in faith on what God says is true is not hypocrisy—it’s aligning ourselves with the reality of His Word.
Encouragement for the Journey
The beauty of Galatians 2:20 lies in its invitation. Whether you focus on faith in Christ or faith of Christ, the verse calls us to a life of trust and surrender. You don’t need to rely on your own faith to live victoriously. Christ has already provided everything you need, including His own faith.
Let this truth encourage you: the Christian life isn’t about striving—it’s about abiding. As Jesus said in John 15:5: “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”
Conclusion: A Life Rooted in Faith
Galatians 2:20 reminds us of the deep, transformative reality of our union with Christ. Whether we live by faith in Him or by the faith of Him, the result is the same: a life that is no longer ours but His. This is the exchanged life, the abundant life, and the victorious life that God has called us to.
So, as you meditate on this verse, remember: you are not called to manufacture faith. You are called to live out of the inexhaustible resources of Christ’s life in you. Let His faith be your faith, His strength your strength, and His life your life.