I think this verse is not speaking about life literally, but rather the inner man or ego or self (human nature). Christ did not die for our human nature, he died for our sins, we as christians must take up our cross and die daily to "self", for once we die to self, christ can now life in us. Thats why Paul said " To live is Christ, to die is gainance" . he realized that in order to be saved we must...
1. Deny self
2. Take up our cross
3. Follow Christ

Matthew 10:39