“Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 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 live a new life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his”
Romans 6:3-5
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About five months ago, one of the adults who serves at Puente’s afterschool high school program came to me and shared some excellent news. One of his students had increased his grades so significantly that they decided to focus their mentoring time on something else of interest to the student. To the mentor’s surprise, the student was very interested in understanding faith on a deeper level. After reading the Bible together for a few months and accepting the Lord as his savior, the student wanted to be baptized. The student’s parents, however, said no, for they do not understand baptism the way we see it.
In Romans 6:3-5, the apostle Paul presents a profound truth about our identity as new creatures in Christ through the powerful symbol of baptism. This passage explores the transformative nature of God’s grace and the spiritual reality of being united with Christ in His death and resurrection.
First, Paul asks a rhetorical question, “Do you not know?” to remind the church in Rome that this truth should be foundational and well understood by Jesus’ followers. He emphasizes that through a water baptism, we are not merely participating in a physical ritual but are immersed into a supernatural unity with Christ in His death. Our baptism signifies a spiritual position with Jesus on the cross, symbolizing our identification with His death and resurrection.
When believers are baptized, we are submerged into the water, representing our burial with Christ and the death of our old sinful selves. However, our baptism does not end with burial, for this also represents our resurrection. As we are raised up from the water, we symbolically share in Jesus’ resurrection. We are not only forgiven and justified from sin but also given a new nature. This new identity is not just a modification of our old ways but a complete transformation. It is a life empowered by the Holy Spirit to be sent as an ambassador of redemption to the world.
The apostle Paul emphasizes the purpose of this union with Christ’s death and resurrection. He writes that we are united with Him “in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life ” (Romans 6:4b). Our new spiritual life is characterized by a renewed mindset, a transformed heart, and a lifestyle that reflects the glory and grace of God.
As more and more people come to the knowledge of Christ and realize the importance of our union with Him through baptism, we hope to see them take this step as a declaration of their faith, as a testimony of their new life in Christ, and as the promise of our future resurrection.
Questions for reflection and discussion:
- How does the truth of being crucified and resurrected with Christ impact your daily life and choices?
- How does your beliefs about baptism influence the way you live your life?
Church Bible Reading: Proverbs 6; Galatians 5