RESURRECTION, BAPTISM AND UNION WITH CHRIST.
Romans 6:1-11.
Towards the end of the previous chapter, the Apostle Paul declared, ‘where sin abounded, grace did super-abound’ (cf. Romans 5:20). Paul opens chapter 6 with an emphatic negation of a conclusion that people were presumptuously making on the back of this teaching: ‘What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? NO WAY! How shall we, who are dead to sin, live any longer therein?’ (cf. Romans 6:1-2).
1. Union with Christ symbolised in Baptism.
The key to Christian living is found in our union with Christ, both in His death and in His resurrection. This is what is symbolised in baptism (Romans 6:3-4). The spiritual reality which lies behind baptism is that our old self was buried with Christ; and our new self, by faith in the operation of God, raised with Him (see Colossians 2:12). As Paul says elsewhere, ‘For as many of you as have been baptised into Christ have put on Christ’ (cf. Galatians 3:27).
The Apostle Peter speaks of the salvation of Noah and his family being ‘saved through’ the waters of the flood as a type; the anti-type of which is ‘the baptism which now saves us… through the resurrection of Jesus’ (see 1 Peter 3:20-21).
2. Newness of Life.
In Christ's resurrection we receive the ability to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4-5). In His death, Christ our substitute bore the full penalty of our sins, so sin no longer has any power or claim upon us. ‘He was delivered for our offences and was raised again because of our justification’ (cf. Romans 4:25).
Proclaimed righteous by God, we are outside sin's domain. Our former, pre-conversion, sinful self has been crucified with Christ (Romans 6:6). This is a done deal which forensically justified us, freeing us from sin forever (Romans 6:7). ‘They that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its affections and lusts’ (cf. Galatians 5:24).
3. His Resurrection.
When Jesus rose from the dead, death itself received a mortal blow. He is risen indeed! Death has no more dominion over Him (Romans 6:9). ‘I am He who lives, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of death and hell’ (cf. Revelation 1:18).
4. Conclusion.
We live with Christ (Romans 6:8). He lives towards God (Romans 6:10). We are dead to sin, but alive to God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 6:11). ‘For you (all) are dead, and your life is hidden with Christ in God’ (cf. Colossians 3:3).
In light of all this, the Apostle Paul’s exhortation is: ‘Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body’ (cf. Romans 6:12).
