Memo to old self: You are dead and buried (the first through the Cross and the second through water baptism). The new self is alive, and is raised and seated with Christ in heavenly places. The “I” (NT Greek, “ego”) which was “crucified with Christ” is now alive with him, and my life “in the flesh” (body) is now lived through Christ by the Holy Spirit in me and through me.
Galatians 2:20 is an amazing paradox of personal pronouns: — “I” four times, and “me” twice. The important thing is that the “I” that once was is not the “I” that now is!” What a blessed relief!
The first man to be “crucified with Christ” died on the cross next to him — literally. But not before asking Jesus to “Remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus assured him there and then: “This day you shall be with me in Paradise”. If that dead thief could go there with Jesus from a cross that same day, we should be able to go to Jesus while still alive anyday! The thief identified himself not as a dying sinner but as a saved one by grace and grace alone. That the other thief did not and so died as an unsaved sinner. So near and yet so far!
Note to those who see no point in believing in the Man dying on the Cross in between you and the thief equally deserving of death: While there’s life there’s hope! Move to the middle Cross by faith!
Finally, for those who have passed from death to life through faith in the Lord Jesus yet are struggling to live the Christian life: Stop your attempts at self-renovation and instead ask God to transform you spiritually. He wants to renew you through and through! You were “born again” from above, not just ‘madeover’ from below! You are a “new creation in Christ” and as such are “in Christ” and so able to enjoy fellowship with Jesus and the Father in Paradise whenever you wish!