How does Romans 6:3 connect with Galatians 2:20 about living in Christ? Romans 6:3—Immersed into Christ’s Death “Or aren’t you aware that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?” • “Baptized” means “immersed,” depicting an actual spiritual union, not merely a ritual symbol. • The moment we trusted Christ, God placed us into the historical, once-for-all death of Jesus. • Our old, sin-dominated self was executed with Him (cf. Romans 6:6). • Because the event is past-tense and completed, we never return to the old mastery of sin. Galatians 2:20—Christ Lives in Me “I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” • “I have been crucified” echoes Romans 6:3—the same shared death. • The old “I” has been displaced; Christ is now the operative life within. • Daily experience flows from continual faith in the One who loved and gave Himself. How the Two Verses Interlock 1. Shared Death • Romans 6:3 states the fact: we were placed into Christ’s death. • Galatians 2:20 repeats the fact personally: “I have been crucified.” 2. Shared Life • Romans 6:4 (context) moves to resurrection life: “just as Christ was raised… we too may walk in newness of life.” • Galatians 2:20 shows the ongoing reality: “Christ lives in me.” 3. Practical Outcome • Romans 6:11—“Count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.” • Galatians 2:20b—“live by faith in the Son of God.” Supporting Passages • Colossians 2:12—“having been buried with Him in baptism… you were also raised with Him.” • Colossians 3:3-4—“you died… your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” • 2 Corinthians 5:17—“If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” • Ephesians 2:4-6—God “made us alive with Christ… and raised us up with Him.” Living Out the Shared Life • Reckon the truth: Each day, consciously “consider” yourself dead to sin (Romans 6:11). • Rely on Christ within: Actively depend on His indwelling life rather than self-effort (Galatians 2:20). • Refuse sin’s claim: Sin’s authority ended at the cross; deny it a foothold (Romans 6:12-13). • Reflect His character: The life now lived in the body manifests Christ’s love, holiness, and humility (Philippians 2:13). Key Takeaways • Romans 6:3 anchors the believer’s identity: crucified with Christ. • Galatians 2:20 applies that identity: Christ Himself supplies the new life. • Union with Christ is both positional (what God already did) and practical (what we now live by faith). |
    |