Wednesday, 14th July 2021 :: Our baptism symbolizes union with Christ
Text: Romans 6:1-14
This section of Paul’s letter provides a powerful insight into our salvation.
We are saved because God has united us to the work of Christ (v.5). The things Jesus accomplished are ours, and our water baptism symbolizes spiritual baptism – union with Christ. This passage is not instructing us about the method of baptism. Apostle Paul’s purpose here is to teach us that we who are baptized into Christ are united to His accomplishments.
Note the connection between v.3b and v.5a – baptism/union with Christ’s death. Union with Jesus Christ, symbolized by baptism, also applies to His burial and resurrection. Although it isn’t mentioned here, it also applies to Christ’s life of perfect righteousness.
Because of our union with Christ, we are raised with Him in the newness of life (v.4). This influences our understanding of the transformed life. We are united to Christ now, so we are no longer dwelling in the realm of death and we are raised to newness of life with Jesus now. A transformed life means that we must no longer live as the rest of the world does, in the
realm of spiritual death, anti-God-ness. We must live as those who have been raised out of that deadness and are now alive to God. Therefore, by God’s grace, live a righteous transformed life, according to God’s law.
Meditate on verse 11. How are you going to apply it to your life?
Heavenly Father, in the name of Jesus Christ, I pray I will be dead to sin and become alive in Jesus Christ. Amen.
