How can Romans 6:3 deepen our understanding of the significance of baptism? Our Union with Christ Declared in Baptism Romans 6:3: “Or aren’t you aware that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?” • Scripture speaks plainly: baptism is not a mere ceremony but a divinely ordained act that literally unites us with the crucified Christ. • By God’s design, the water represents the grave; going under pictures death and burial with Him. • This union is objective—accomplished by God—and publicly displayed in the act of baptism. Buried with Christ—Freed from Sin’s Dominion • Romans 6:4 continues the thought, showing that burial with Christ breaks the ruling power of sin. • Colossians 2:12 echoes, “having been buried with Him in baptism.” The plain sense affirms a real spiritual transaction. • The believer is no longer under sin’s mastery (Romans 6:6-7); baptism vividly dramatizes that break. Raised to Walk in Newness of Life • Just as burial is literal, so is resurrection life: “so that just as Christ was raised… we too may walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4). • Galatians 3:27: “all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ” — the new life is actual and visible. • Every step after baptism is meant to display the risen Christ’s power over the believer’s daily choices. Public Confession of an Invisible Reality • Acts 2:38 links repentance, baptism, and reception of the Spirit, underscoring that baptism openly confirms what God has done within. • 1 Peter 3:21 clarifies that the water itself does not cleanse but “the pledge of a clear conscience toward God.” • In obeying the Lord’s command (Matthew 28:19), we testify that our old self is gone and our new life is bound to Jesus forever. Living Out What Baptism Proclaims • Count yourself dead to sin and alive to God (Romans 6:11); baptism is the continual reminder. • Reject every temptation as inconsistent with your buried-and-raised status (Romans 6:12-13). • Serve righteousness with confidence, knowing your union with Christ is a settled fact, witnessed by your baptism. |
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