How does Romans 6:3 describe our union with Christ in baptism? The Text Itself “Or aren’t you aware that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?” (Romans 6:3) What “Baptized into Christ Jesus” Means - Union with His Person • Baptism is not merely symbolic water—Scripture testifies that it unites us spiritually to the risen Lord Himself. - Transfer of Identity • We move from being “in Adam” to being “in Christ” (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:22). • Galatians 3:27: “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” “Baptized into His Death”—Three Rich Layers 1. Participation • We are counted as having died with Him; the penalty for sin is fully met in that union (Romans 6:6–7). 2. Liberation • Death severs old bonds; our bondage to sin is broken (Romans 6:14). 3. Foundation for New Life • Because we die with Him, we are also raised with Him (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12). Supporting Passages - Colossians 2:12: “Having been buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised with Him through your faith in the power of God, who raised Him from the dead.” - 1 Corinthians 12:13: “For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body.” - 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.” Implications for Daily Life - Freedom: Sin no longer has rightful dominion. - Assurance: Our status rests on an accomplished union, not shifting feelings. - Transformation: We walk “in newness of life” (Romans 6:4), empowered to live righteously. - Identity: We now see ourselves as those who have died and risen with Christ—everything else follows from that settled fact. In Short Romans 6:3 teaches that baptism unites believers personally to Christ and specifically to His death, so that His once-for-all triumph over sin becomes ours. United to Him in death, we now live in the power of His resurrection. |
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