We are born into union with Christ; but the process of learning to live in that union, or better, to live from that union, is the transformation into Christlikeness. Brokenness, repentance, and surrender position us to live by faith, trusting in the “the life Jesus lives.” This is living from the “inside out,” which is the heart of Christianity, instead of living from the “outside in,” which is at the heart of all dead religion. Living for the “there” is so exhausting, and frustrating, but living “from the there” that we’ve already been placed into is glory; as in “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Learning to see, think, speak, and act from the inside out is an extraordinary transition, as we surrender more and more to the One living inside, who has declared Himself to be “our life.”
Rom. 5:10, For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved in His life.
Gal.2 :20, I have been crucified with Christ [in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ (the Messiah) lives in me; and the life I now live in the body I live by faith in (by adherence to and reliance on and complete trust in) the Son of God, Who loved me and gave Himself up for me. ( AMPLIFIED VERSION)
The adjustment of repentance in us (repentance simply means to “change thinking’) that brings us into the experience of our union with Christ can surely be shockingly painful, as we realize how “other” He is; but the consequence is so shockingly wonderful, as we enter into the joyful adventure of the daily miraculous “other” life He lives through us.