What does sharing in Jesus' "baptism" mean for our daily Christian walk? The Foundational Verse “Or aren’t you aware that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We therefore were 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.” What Sharing in Jesus’ Baptism Means • Union with His death—our old, sin-ruled self is counted crucified with Him (Galatians 2:20). • Burial of the past—God treats the former life as finished and gone (Colossians 2:12). • Resurrection life—just as He rose, we rise to an entirely new mode of living (2 Corinthians 5:17). • Public identification—we openly declare allegiance to Christ (Matthew 3:16-17; Acts 2:38). • Spirit-empowered assurance—baptism pictures the inner washing and sealing accomplished by the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13; Titus 3:5-6). Daily Implications for Our Walk • Live dead to sin – Reckon the old nature powerless (Romans 6:11). – Refuse to present body or mind as tools for unrighteousness (Romans 6:13). • Live alive to God – Pursue holiness as the normal Christian life (1 Peter 1:15-16). – Cultivate vibrant communion with the risen Christ through Scripture and prayer (John 15:4-5). • Live with new purpose – Serve others sacrificially, mirroring Christ’s servant heart (Mark 10:45). – Steward gifts and time for kingdom priorities (Ephesians 2:10). • Live with confident hope – Our future resurrection is guaranteed because we already share His (Romans 8:11). – Suffering is reinterpreted as fellowship with Christ’s path to glory (Philippians 3:10-11). Practical Steps for Today 1. Begin each morning by remembering, “I am baptized into Christ; today I walk in newness of life.” 2. When tempted, verbally reject the lie: “That old self was buried.” (Romans 6:6-7) 3. Schedule regular times in the Word to feed the new life (Colossians 3:16). 4. Join openly with believers—church, fellowship, service—to affirm the shared identity granted in baptism (Hebrews 10:24-25). 5. Look for daily “resurrection moments”: forgive quickly, extend mercy, speak hope—actions that only a risen-with-Christ person can perform. Encouraging Assurance • God’s verdict on your past is settled: buried with Christ. • God’s power for your present is available: raised with Christ. • God’s promise for your future is certain: glorified with Christ (Romans 8:30). |
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