Why is the teaching about being crucified with Christ so important for believers?
The teaching that believers died with Christ is fundamental because it grounds everyday Christian living, strengthens faith, and keeps believers from being blown about by every wind of doctrine. It shows salvation rests on what God did on our behalf, not on human works, so no one can brag about maintaining salvation.
Les explains that studies like this are not as exciting as Revelation or prophecy, but this is the nitty-gritty of everyday Christian living. Every believer must set his hooks into it to strengthen his faith and not be blown about with every wind of doctrine. It is fundamental and basic because it all began with what God did on our behalf. In 2 Corinthians 5:14, the love of Christ constrains us, because if one died for all, then all died—dead in trespasses and sins, under the old Adam. Salvation is not kept by works, lest anyone brag; God has done everything, and we simply appropriate it by faith.