"We know that our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ so that sin might lose its power in our lives. We are no longer slaves to sin. For when we died with Christ we were set free from the power of sin."

(Romans 6.6-7 NLT)

Without crucifixion, there is no salvation.

I was not nailed on the cross physically, but my old self, metaphorically, was. The old self that represents my sins - past, present, and future. My life of sin was on the cross and I need to leave it there.

I cannot move forward holding on to both Jesus and sin at the same time. Leave sin behind and move on with only Jesus.

"If any of you wants to be my follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross, and follow me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it."

(Matthew 16.24-25 NLT)

Related:
The cross before me (2)
On baptism