What does "buried with Him through baptism" signify in our spiritual journey? Setting the Scene Romans 6:4: “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.” The Picture of Burial • Burial is final. • It seals the end of something that can no longer return. • In baptism, God declares the old, sin-dominated self truly finished. Death to Sin, End of the Old Life • Romans 6:6: “Our old self was crucified with Him so that the body of sin might be rendered powerless.” • Colossians 3:3: “For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” • The moment we trusted Christ, His death counted as ours; baptism publicly dramatizes that reality. United with Christ in His Death • Romans 6:3: “All of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death.” • Union with Christ is literal and spiritual—what happened to Him now legally and relationally applies to us. Raised to Walk in Newness of Life • Baptism doesn’t leave us under the water; we rise. • Colossians 2:12: “Having been buried with Him in baptism, you were also raised with Him through your faith in the power of God.” • The new life is not self-improvement; it is resurrection life powered by the Spirit. Freedom from Sin’s Dominion • Romans 6:14: “For sin shall not be your master, because you are not under law, but under grace.” • Burial with Christ breaks sin’s legal claim; resurrection with Christ empowers daily victory. Hope of Future Resurrection • 1 Corinthians 15:22: “In Christ all will be made alive.” • Our physical resurrection is guaranteed because we are already spiritually united to the risen Lord. Public Identification with Christ • Acts 2:38: “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ.” • Baptism is the believer’s declaration: “I belong to Jesus; His story is now my story.” Practical Implications for Daily Living • Count the old self dead—refuse to resurrect what God has buried. • Embrace new desires and habits empowered by the Spirit (Ephesians 4:22-24). • Live boldly, knowing sin’s authority is broken. • Encourage others by sharing the testimony symbolized in your baptism. Key Passages to Revisit |
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