How do we know that Christ gave Himself for us personally?

The personal nature of Christ’s atonement is crucial to grasping the depth of the gospel message. In Galatians 2:20, the phrase 'who loved me and gave himself for me' signifies that the atonement is not an abstract concept but an intimate act of love towards each believer. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that the life he now lives in faith is fundamentally tied to this personal sacrifice of Christ. This brings assurance that Christ's death was meant for you individually, not merely for a collective group but for every person who places their faith in Him.

This personal aspect of salvation is underscored throughout Scripture, where believers are encouraged to recognize Christ's death as a specific act of love meant for them. Each individual’s conscious acknowledgment of their sinfulness and the need for a Savior makes the statement 'Himself for me' profound. It fosters deep gratitude and reliance upon Christ, affirming that He bore the weight of our sins on the cross, engaging with each believer's plight and appealing to the heart of the gospel.