How does Galatians 3:27 connect with Romans 6:3-4 about baptism? Galatians 3:27 — Clothed with Christ “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” • Baptism is the moment God openly clothes the believer with the righteousness, identity, and name of Jesus. • “Clothed” points to a permanent, visible change—like putting on a new garment that now defines who you are. • This new covering signals full acceptance into the covenant family (Isaiah 61:10; Revelation 7:14). Romans 6:3-4 — Buried and Raised with Christ “Or aren’t you aware that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may walk in newness of life.” • Baptism unites the believer with the historical events of the cross and the empty tomb. • Going under the water pictures burial with Christ; rising from the water pictures resurrection with Him (Colossians 2:12). • The result is “newness of life,” an entirely new way of living empowered by the Spirit (2 Corinthians 5:17). One Picture, Two Angles • Galatians 3:27 emphasizes our new identity—putting on Christ like a garment. • Romans 6:3-4 emphasizes our new history—sharing in Christ’s death and resurrection. • Together they present a complete portrait: baptism clothes us with Christ because we have been united with Him in His saving work. What Baptism Declares • Identification with Christ’s person (Galatians 3:27). • Participation in His death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3-4). • Public testimony of saving faith (Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38). • Entrance into one body by one Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13). • Break with the old life of sin (1 Peter 3:21). Faith and Baptism — Always Together • Salvation is “by grace…through faith” (Ephesians 2:8-9). • Genuine faith obeys Christ’s command to be baptized (Matthew 28:19). • Baptism does not earn salvation; it expresses and seals the faith that receives salvation (Acts 22:16). Living Out the Clothing • Wear Christ’s character daily—compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience (Colossians 3:12-14). • Walk in newness of life, counting yourself dead to sin but alive to God (Romans 6:11). • Remember your baptism whenever tempted to return to the old ways; you are already clothed, buried, and raised with the Lord. |
    |