INTRODUCTION
Outline.
1. Baptized into His death
2. Baptized into His burial
3. Baptized into His resurrection
Introductory Remarks.
1. The apostle Paul has just concluded his discussion of the “one man Adam,” comparing him to the “one man Christ.” By Adam's one offense (disobedience), sin and death entered the world for all humanity (for all have sinned), Romans 3:23. Similarly, Christ’s one act (of obedience) permitted life to be imparted to all through the grace of God. In our text of discussion, the beloved apostle now shows the Romans how Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection enable them and us to pass from death to life in Christ Jesus. Their baptism into Christ made his pictorial review of this process visible to the human eye and heart.
2. First, we will discuss their baptism into His death. Paul wrote: “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?” Romans 6:3. Baptism is where the believer imitates Christ’s death for sin. The believer dies to the practice of sin, ungodliness, and unrighteousness. Vowing to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this world, bearing fruits unto holiness and the end to everlasting life in Christ Jesus, Romans 6:22-23; Titus 2:11-12.
3. Next, we will describe their baptism into His burial. He penned: “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised (up) from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life,” Romans 6:4. Paul pictures the repentant believer being buried with (alongside) of Christ in the liquid tomb of baptism! The old man is crucified, the body of sin is destroyed and buried, and the believer is “now justified” or “freed” from sin, “having become a new creation in Christ Jesus,” Romans 6:7; 2 Corinthians 5:17.
4. Lastly, we will investigate their baptism into His resurrection. Finally, he inscribed: “For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall also be in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is justified (freed) from (the) sin,” Romans 6:5-7. Finally, Paul states that the believer is now in Christ and rises to walk in a new life, giving glory and honor unto God in all good works, Ephesians 2:10. He has become “God’s Magnificent Masterpiece” in Christ! Now, with this brief introduction, let’s consider our first point in this lesson.
BODY OF LESSON
I BAPTIZED INTO HIS DEATH
A. The apostle begins this discourse with a series of questions. First, he asks: What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we who are dead to sin live any longer therein? Romans 6:1-2. Consider,
1. They are all rhetorical questions, really deserving no answer (for all knew his meaning).
2. First, the apostle says, “If you are dead to sin, how can sin be yet alive in you?”
3. Second, he explains why this must be so in their current walk of faith. Observe,
B. Baptized into Christ. Paul wrote: “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?” Romans 6:3. Or, don’t you know, that so many of us were baptized into Christ. He wrote,
1. First, “That so many of us.” The esteemed apostle includes himself in this sentence. This could only mean that he and the Romans both received this grace. He wrote: “Being justified freely by His grace through the faith that is in Christ Jesus,” Romans 3:24; Romans 5:1-2.
2. Next, “As were baptized into Jesus Christ.” He reminded them that this grace was due to their “faith and baptism into Jesus Christ.” This seems to be the stumbling block for many who confess Christ but fail to imitate Christ’s example in “baptism” to “fulfill all righteousness.” Why, one might ask? Many have listened to men and have yet to follow the example of Christ.
3. Finally, “We were baptized into His death?” This last sentence states that they were baptized into the death of Jesus Christ. Paul’s message of Christ is that He is: “The propitiation (the mercy seat) through the redemption in His blood, to declare His righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God: To declare, I say, at this time His righteousness: that He might be Just, and the Justifier of him which believeth in Jesus,” Romans 3:24-26.
NOTE: Christ was baptized to “justify God” and inaugurate this act of obedience for every believer to duplicate “in fulfilling all righteousness,” or to be “justified from their sin.” We are coming to the absolute necessity of having genuine faith and obedience to God.
C. Baptized into His death. He continued: "Therefore, we are buried with Him by baptism into death," Romans 6:4. The apostle now declares that he and the Romans were buried with Christ into His death by Baptism. This undoubtedly means "water baptism,” Ephesians 4:4-6. Observe,
1. First, "Therefore, we are buried." This sentence infers that the act of Baptism is a burial. It symbolizes the "burial of Christ" after His death and preparing “His body to repose in Joseph of Arimathea's tomb for three days,” John 19:38-42.
2. Further, "With Him." In Baptism, Paul proposes that we are buried with Him. We will revisit this statement later to clarify what Baptism represents to all repentant believers baptized into Christ, Romans 6:3-4; Galatians 3:26-27. We were with Christ in this act of obedience: baptism.
3. Next, "By baptism into death." Baptism is our enactment of Christ's death. We die to sin, as He died for our sins. What a humbling picture of our union with Christ, the risen Saviour.
4. Then, “That like as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father.” As Christ was raised from “among the dead,” we are also raised out of “the body of the sin,” Romans 6:6.
5. Finally, “Even so, we also should walk in the newness of life,” Romans 6:4. To walk in the newness of life now and resurrected life when Christ returns for His saints, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. Now, let’s consider being baptized into His death.
D. Christ’s death was through crucifixion.
1. The prophet wrote about it. Isaiah 53.
2. Christ spoke about it. Matthew 16:13-21; John 19:6-7.
3. Pilate commanded it. John 19:8-16.
4. The Romans did it. John 19:17-24.
E. We are crucified with Christ. Paul continues his message to Rome.
1. He penned: “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin,” Romans 6:6. Saints, “you know this,” Romans 6:6a. Listen to him. What?
a. “That our old man was crucified with Him (Christ),” Romans 6:6b. When? When you were with Him in baptism. For what reason?
b. “That the body of sin might be destroyed,” Romans 6:6c. One translation says: “annulled” or put to death in “the baptism of His death.”
c. “That henceforth we should not serve sin,” Romans 6:6d. The idea here is a “practice to sin.” If we are “dead to sin,” then we are no longer “practicing sin.” Listen to Paul,
2. In his letter to Galatia, he wrote: “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless, I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. I do not frustrate God's grace: If righteousness comes by the law, Christ has died in vain,” Galatians 2:20. Here is Ephesians 2:1-10.
a. I am crucified with Christ.
b. Nevertheless, I live, yet not I.
c. But Christ liveth in me.
d. The life which I now live in the flesh:
1) I live by the faith of the Son of God.
2) Who loved me.
3) And gave himself for me.
4) Paul makes Christ's death and grace personal.
e. I do not frustrate God’s grace:
1) If righteousness comes by the law.
2) Christ has died in vain.
3) He concludes by stating that if it were possible to be saved through the works of the law, then Christ has died in vain. The forefathers could not “keep the law and its commandments.”
a) Nor did anyone else who sought to be justified by the law.
b) It was good, righteous, and just, where the fault lay was once broken, there was no vehicle or medium to make us righteous before God again.
c) Therefore, another system of faith was required. Christ was that medium, “the lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world,” John 1:29. He is “the mercy seat” for all sin, disobedience, and transgressions, as mentioned by the apostle Paul, Romans 3:23-26, and John, 1 John 2:1-2.
d) But he continues: “The faith in Christ Jesus has justified us through grace,” Romans 5:1-2; Romans 3:28-31; Romans 4:23-25.
3. Paul’s message to Timothy. He wrote: “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time,” 1 Timothy 2:1-6. Observe Paul’s desire for all men,
a. Pray for all men, kings, and all in authority. [Begin with supplications, then prayers, followed by intercessions, and finally, in giving thanks unto God.]
b. That we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
c. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour:
1) Who will have all men to be saved.
2) And come to the knowledge of the truth.
3) Who gave himself a ransom for all people.
4) To be testified of in due time.
4. Prayer for Israel. “Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer for Israel is that they might be saved, for I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. They are ignorant of God's righteousness and are establishing their self-righteousness (in the law), not having submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believeth. For Moses, describe the righteousness of the law, that the man who doeth (practice) those things shall live by them. But the righteousness of the faith thus speaks…that is the word of the faith which we proclaim,” Romans 10:1-8. [Text shortened for brevity.] The inclusion of the “definite article” is essential in understanding Paul’s message!
NOTE: [Image 110 of Greek Manuscript 1992. New Testament, page 118-119.] We sought to confirm its presence in two prepositional phrases: 1) the righteousness of the law, and 2) the righteousness of the faith,” Romans 10:5-8. They were present in the manuscript above. See references. Consider,
a. Therefore, Paul was not discussing our faith, but “the faith of the gospel” that he preached unto the believers in Rome and elsewhere! It is,
b. Our faith and obedience to “the faith” (the gospel) that saves us, Philippians 1:27. See Ephesians 1:13-14; Galatians 1:23-24. Priests were “obedient to the faith,” Acts 6:7.
c. The Gentiles also were “obedient to the faith of the gospel of Christ,” Romans 1:5; Romans 1:16-18; Romans 15:18-19. It is,
d. Not our faith in the works of law or human merit, Acts 13:38-39; Ephesians 2:8-9.
e. It is our faith and obedience to the gospel of Christ that saves us and all others who would believe and be obedient to God’s terms of salvation. [Men and brethren, what shall we do?]
NOTE: We will return to this point at the end of this lesson. Stay with me, please! Now consider,
5. Israel’s failure. Paul also inscribed Israel’s failure to keep the Law of Moses. He penned: “What shall we say then? The Gentiles, followed not after righteousness, have attained the righteousness, even the righteousness of faith. But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at the stumblingstone; As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offense: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed,” Romans 9:30-33; Romans 3:28-31. Observe,
a. David wrote of it in Psalms 118:22.
b. Isaiah penned regarding this “stone of stumbling,” Isaiah 28:16.
c. Peter wrote concerning this rejected stone, 1 Peter 2:6-8; Acts 4:8-14.
d. Paul mentions this stone that “we shall not be ashamed,” Romans 10:11-13.
Now, let’s consider point two in this lesson.
II BAPTIZED INTO HIS BURIAL
A. Baptism is a burial. He penned: “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised (up) from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life,” Romans 6:4. The sinner is with Him in baptism. Some may find fault in this statement, yet it is true.
1. In this act of obedience, the believer is conjoined with Christ in baptism or a burial, like Christ was after dying for the world's sins. Baptism typifies (represents) our death to the sins of the “old man.” He discusses the old man next.
2. Yes, you were with Him while yet in your sins! Paul's Letter to Ephesus, we find these words:
a. “But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love where He loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ (by grace are ye saved:)”
b. “And hath raised us together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:”
c. “That in the ages to come He might show he exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus:”
d. “For by grace are you saved through (the) faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:”
e. “Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
f. “For we are His workmanship (Masterpiece), created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them,” Ephesians 2:4-10; Ephesians 1:13-14.
3. Yes, we are saved by grace, but it entails our faith and obedience to what God has directed us to do to be saved.
4. Paul reminds the Romans of their faith and obedience to God, as he also reminded the Ephesians. Let’s continue,
B. The believer is baptized into Christ's death. This is done to die to the servitude of sin. He asked: “How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” Romans 6:2.
1. Like Jesus was buried, our old man has died and is also buried in the grave of baptism.
2. Dead men serve nobody— “the body of sin exists no longer”; he has died and is buried!
3. Dead things are buried; all the practices of the old man have been crucified, have died, and are buried. You have been made alive in Christ!
a. Paul speaks of the old and new man in his Letter to Ephesus. He penned: “If so, be that ye have heard Him, and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; and be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness,” Ephesians 4:21-24. See also Colossians 3:8-17.
ILLUSTRATION: Paul gave examples of what “should be put away,” Ephesians 4:25-32.
b. Peter has described “the old man” as possessing a “divine nature.” He notes: “According as His divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust,” 2 Peter 1:3-4.
ILLUSTRATION: Peter also gave examples of what we need to “lay aside,” 1 Peter 2:1-3.
c. Paul again: “The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light…But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof,” Romans 13:12-14.
ILLUSTRATION: “Put on the whole armor of God,” Ephesians 6:10-20. Get “fit to fight.”
C. The believer is raised from the dead by the glory of the Father. The apostle continued: “That like as Christ was raised (up) from the dead by the glory of the Father,” Romans 6:4b.
D. To walk in newness of life in Christ. Finally, “Even so we also should walk in newness of life,” Romans 6:4c. Through this act of obedience, we rise to walk in a new life, “old things are passed away, and all things are become new,” 2 Corinthians 5:17.
1. Paul now describes the regeneration process as discussed in his Letter to the Colossians.
2. He repeats some of the truths he now mentions to the Romans.
3. So as not to prolong this lesson, I will describe some of them in the next point in this lesson.
E. The believer has gone through “the operation of God,” Colossians 2:11-13.
NOTE: For a complete discussion of this operation, download our lesson “Are You In Christ?” From SermonCentral.com by Ron Freeman, Evangelist.
III BAPTIZED INTO HIS RESURRECTION
A. Baptized into His resurrection. Paul inscribed: “For if we have been planted together (united or conjoined) in the likeness of his death, we shall also be in the likeness of his resurrection: knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed (justified) from (the) sin,” Romans 6:5-7. We will now put all this together; please stay with me as we proceed! Observe,
B. Planted together, in Gr., the word is “sýmphytos or soom'-foo-tos,” meaning to grow along with (connate), being conjoined, or closely united to: —planted together. In this act of obedience, the repentant believer is planted in the likeness of Christ’s death and resurrection. The believer now shares “the divine nature of Christ,” 2 Peter 1:1-3. This Interlinear translates the Greek word “symphytos” as “conjoined” rather than “planted” to mean “being next to, alongside, adjoined to, united or together with.” How interesting that “we were together with Him” when conjoined or planted! Even when we were dead in “trespasses and sins,” Ephesians 2:1-3.
NOTE: The Englishman’s Greek New Testament Interlinear, or EGNT, Page 413-414. [You can download this Interlinear from Archive.org]. Copy the link to your “desktop” for quick reference and usage, along with the BlueLetterBible from BLB.org. See references.
1. First, "For if we have been planted together." Therefore, in Baptism, the sinner is "planted or conjoined" with Christ. Maybe I could say it better: "We are adjoined or united with Him in Baptism,” Ephesians 2:5-6; Colossians 2:11-13.
a. In this sentence: “For if” is a “conjunction and conditional particle” preceding the phrase: “we have been,” constituting “a verb-second perfect active,” with its succeeding phrase: “planted together,” an “adjective,” modifying its definite article and noun “the death” in verse 5.
b. All this occurred while “dead in our trespasses and sins,” Ephesians 2:4-5. It was then and there: We were “quickened” or “made alive,” and “by grace, we were saved,” Ephesians 2:1; Ephesians 2:5; Ephesians 2:8-9. Stay with me, beloved in the Lord! Praise God! Continuing,
c. The phrase “planted together” in the Gr., is symphytos, which means “conjoined” or “united.” NOTE: This is Paul's teaching also to Ephesus, Ephesians 2:4-10. This is a “tupos” or a “form of teaching” to Rome and Ephesus. Review Romans 6:1-7, along with Ephesians 2:1-10. You will immediately see the “parallel” message in these texts. Observe,
d. We were “conjoined (or together) with Christ” when planted (or buried) with Him in Baptism. Here is Paul’s message to these saints:
1) We were “buried with Him by baptism” into His death, Romans 6:4.
2) We were “planted together with Him” in the likeness of His death, Romans 6:5.
3) These things occurred “when we were dead in trespasses and sins,” Ephesians 2:1; Ephesians 2:5-6. Who said: “There is nothing in baptism?”
4) Paul, the Romans, Colossians, and Ephesians: “Were planted (buried) or united” with Christ, while dead in their trespasses and sins,” Acts 22:16; Ephesians 1:13-14; Colossians 2:11-13. [This truth alone annuls the teaching that only the saved (forgiven of sins) are to be baptized].
a) Baptism, then, is not “because the believer is already forgiven of their sins,” but “that they might obtain the forgiveness of their sins,” Acts 2:38.
b) Just as Peter instructed the repentant believers on the Day of Pentecost. Paul now affirms that when we were "with Christ" in Baptism, we were, in fact, “dead in our trespasses and sins,” Ephesians 2:5-6; Colossians 2:11-13. I must drive this point home!
c) Therefore, the repentant believers are not baptized “because of the remission of sins,” but “for ‘or into’ the remission of sins,” as commanded in Acts 2:38; Acts 22:16. I wish I had some help!
d) Stay with me, beloved church and friends. We’re nearing a climactic conclusion. He continued,
2. Next, "In the likeness of His death." The certainty of these two things assures us that we, in like manner, have died to sin, and the old man was crucified with Christ in Baptism.
a. Let's be clear: Christ was not baptized because of His sin.
b. Rather, He was crucified and died, was buried, and rose because of our and the world's sins.
c. If we have been planted in His likeness, we shall also be raised in His likeness. Consider,
3. Finally, seeing these things are so, Paul affirms: “We shall also be raised in the likeness of His (Christ’s) resurrection,” Romans 6:4-5. What a tremendous promise in our hope of eternal life, Titus 1:1-3; Titus 3:7. Amen, church. Paul now describes,
C. The body of the sin. He inscribed: “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of the sin...For he that is dead is freed (justified) from (the) sin,” Romans 6:6-7. [Text shortened for brevity]. We are now ready to correlate the words righteousness and justification. Or being “righteous” or “justified” in the sight of God. Paul continued,
1. First, “Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him.” Here, he describes our death or the crucifixion of our body of sin. This means our death to the sinful nature occurred when we were “Buried or planted together in the likeness of Christ's death.” Paul states that all this was done,
2. Next, “That the body of the sin might be destroyed,” Romans 6:6. Our death and burial were done to crucify the body of the sin, Galatians 2:20. The apostle describes this to the Ephesians as “putting off the old man and putting on the new man,” Ephesians 4:22-25; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18.
a. He calls this the “operation of God” to the Colossians, in Colossians 2:11-13; Colossians 3:9-10. The Colossians and Ephesians were forgiven of their sins in the same manner Paul described to the saints in Rome.
b. How could anyone suggest that those who believe in the Lord and have been given the same message could be forgiven, saved, or justified in any other manner than all the saints converted to Christ by the apostle Paul? There is “one Lord, one faith, and one baptism,” Ephesians 4:4-6.
c. As Paul concludes his discourse, he now defines how he, the Romans, and we were “freed from the sin.” This phrase requires further discussion. Observe,
3. Finally, Paul wrote: “He that is dead is freed from sin,” Romans 6:7. Here we go!
NOTE: The King James Version (KJV) translated the Greek word “dikaioo” as “freed.”
NOTE: The Englishman's Greek New Testament Interlinear translated “dikaioo” as “justified.”
a. The definite article "the" or "ho" is absent in the translation of the KJV of the Bible.
b. The Greek reads: "Is justified from the sin.” Therefore, it should read: “He that is dead is justified from (the) sin,” Romans 6:7. Here, Paul meant,
c. “For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection. Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him, that the body of the sin might be destroyed...He that is dead is justified from the sin,” Romans 6:5-7. [Text shortened for brevity]. Some interesting points about the old man can be made here. Observe,
1) First, when we were planted together in Christ’s likeness, the old man (of sin was with Him).
2) Further, because of this union, we also have been resurrected in His likeness.
3) Next, he notes: “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with Him; that the body of the sin might be destroyed ‘katargatha’ or annulled.”
4) Also, “That we no longer be ‘douleuein’ or subservient to the sin of the body (of the old man).”
5) Finally, “For he that died has been justified from the sin,” Romans 6:5-7. From what sin? The sin of the body (the old man committed) has been forgiven, and he has become a “new man.”
QUESTION: Could any of these things have occurred without the old man dying, being planted, to rise forgiven of the sins of the body, without him ever being planted in the likeness of Christ's death? Where the world has minimized faith and baptism, God has amplified it! I believe,
d. More clarification is needed to completely understand what Paul was affirming took place in our death, planting, and resurrection “to walk in newness of life.” Witnessing further discussion of our death to sin might surprise some of you. Observe,
1) The phrase “is freed” from sin is rightly translated as “is justified” from (the) sin, Romans 6:7. Please consult your own Greek-English Interlinear to see the apostles' words regarding this undeniable truth of the scriptures. Also, consider,
2) In the Gr., the word “dikaioo” is translated as “justified” rather than “freed.”
3) The Gr., word for “freed” is “eleutheroo,” as translated in Romans 6:18; John 8:32, and other passages within the Greek-English Interlinear New Testament. Here is a short,
e. Summary of several Greek-English Interlinear of Romans 6:7. Consider,
1) The Englishman’s New Testament, “For he that died has been justified (dikaioo) from sin,” Page 414.
2) The United Bible Societies, New Testament, “For the one having died has been justified (dikaioo) from sin,” Page 546.
3) The CSB New Testament, “For the one having died he has been set free (dikaioo) from the sin,” Page 742.
4) The ESV New Testament, “For the one having died (he) has been justified (dikaioo) from the sin,” Page 667.
5) The BLB Textus Receptus New Testament, “For he that is dead is freed (dikaioo) from sin,” Romans 6:7.
6) Every Interlinear had the Greek word “dikaioo” in them; two translated it as “freed,” and three as “justified.” The Greek word did not change. However, two Interlinear translations did not provide a word-for-word translation or “interlinear glossing” beneath the Greek words forming our discussion text. The Greek word for “freed” is “eleutheroo,” as mentioned earlier. The Greek word “eleutheroo” is absent in Romans 6:7; therefore, this could not have been Paul's meaning in the verse. [I do not suggest as to why this is “so” but only that it is “so.”] I will leave that judgment to God. He will render a just “recompense of reward,” Hebrews 2:1-4. Conclusion,
4. This being the case, Paul's real message was, "If we have been planted in the likeness of His (Christ’s) death...the body of the sin was destroyed...and we were justified from the sin,” Romans 6:5-7. Beloved, I am only reporting what I am witnessing in the text.
a. Therefore, it was in baptism that we were “justified from the sin” when the body of sin was destroyed, thus enabling us “to fulfill all righteousness” before God.
b. This would make “our planting (burial in baptism) in the likeness of Christ's death, essential to (being justified from sin), and necessary for us to fulfill all righteousness,” Romans 6:7; Matthew 3:15; Romans 6:17-18. A special note,
NOTE: Take the time to review and study these texts before preaching on this topic for your edification. Use your Greek-English Interlinear and BlueLetterBible.org’s Textus Receptus within the BLB Application. We are almost done. Finally, Paul wrote,
D. “They have not all obeyed the Gospel.” Before we conclude, we have one more question to investigate for a sound and defensible answer. In Romans chapter 10, verses 16-18, Paul penned, “But they all have not obeyed the gospel.” Describing the Jews and Gentiles to whom he had preached Esaias’ Report. They all have heard, even believed, but all had not obeyed. Therefore, Esaias’ Report must, of necessity, be obeyed. Paul will now tie all these things together as we move to a conclusion. Observe,
1. To the Romans, He wrote: "But they have not all obeyed the Gospel, For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our Report? So, then (the) faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. But I say, did they not hear? Yes certainly, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world,” Romans 10:16-18. Notice Paul’s analysis of the,
a. Preaching of the faith. "So, then (the) faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God,” Romans 10:17. Here, Paul means “Isaiah’s Report,” Romans 10:16. Paul asks,
b. Had all heard of the faith? Yes. "But I say, did not Israel know? First, Moses said, I will provoke you to jealousy by them, who are no people, and by a foolish nation, I will anger you. But Esaias is very bold, and saith: I was found of them that sought me not. I was made manifest unto them that asked not after me. But to Israel he saith: All day long I have stretched forth my hands unto a disobedient and gainsaying people," Romans 10:18-21. He asks again,
2. Had all obeyed the faith? No. "But they have not all obeyed the gospel,” Romans 10:16. What does he mean by "they have not obeyed the gospel?" Many today have heard the Gospel and even believe it. But not all have obeyed it! This included both Jews and Gentiles!
3. Therefore, it must be understood that believing "Isaias' Report" is more than just hearing it and believing it. The Report "must be obeyed." This believing and obeying begins first in the heart. And concludes with our obedience to this truth of the gospel from the heart, Romans 6:17-18.
4. What was in this Report that required obedience? Samuel wrote: “To obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams,” 1 Samuel 15:22; Psalms 51:16-17; Luke 6:46-49.
5. What does Paul mean by "They have not all obeyed the gospel?" Many today, like those Paul now writes of, believe and even love Christ for His suffering, death, burial, and rising from the dead for all our sins, as taught in Esaias’ Report. But the failure then and now is that they “all have not obeyed the gospel.” Herein is now our work to explain. This exercise will clearly define what was not obeyed by all these believers! Observe,
E. Exercise in Greek Parsing. This overview of Greek Parsing will give us a definitive answer. You might be surprised by Paul’s enlightening conclusion. Please, follow me closely in this exercise.
1. Recall that Greek Parsing is examining the text to see how each part is representative of other parts in the verse. This exercise will answer the question: What was not obeyed in Esaias’ Report by the Jews and the Gentiles then and by many believers in the Gospel today?
2. Exercise in Greek Parsing. We will search for an answer to Paul's question regarding Esaias Report. Who hath not believed this Report? The apostle means the Jews (Israel) were not obedient to the Gospel. In this exercise, we will identify what needs to be obeyed. By mapping these three scriptures: 1) Romans 10:16, 2) Romans 6:5, and 3) Colossians 2:12, it will be possible for us to obtain a definitive and undeniable answer to this vital question. First, we began,
a. In Romans 10:16, the sentence: "But...not all obeyed the gospel." The text can be mapped in this fashion,
1) The word “not” in Gr., is ou, a particle of negation | or PRT-N.
2) The word “all” in Gr., is pas, an adjective | or A-NPM.
3) The word “obeyed” in Gr., is hypakouo, a verb | or V-AAI-3P.
4) The word “the” in Gr., is ho, a definite article | or T-DSN.
5) The word “gospel” in Gr., is evangelion, a noun | or N-DSN.
NOTE: NPM is Nominative Plural Masculine, and DSN is Dative Singular Neuter.
6) Questions: What was not “obeyed” that is like Paul’s message of “the gospel” that he had preached unto the Romans? After an exhaustive search into the sentence: “They have not all obeyed the gospel," We uncovered a possible meaning to this question in Romans chapter 6, verse 5. Next, we continued our discovery,
b. In Romans 6:5. The sentence: "For if conjoined (planted) together in the likeness...death.” The text can be mapped in this way,
1) The phrase “conjoined together” in Gr., is symphytos, an adjective | or A-NPM.
2) The phrase “in the” in Gr., is ho, a definite article | or T-DSN.
3) The word “likeness” in Gr., is homoioma, a noun | or N-DSN.
NOTE: NPM is Nominative Plural Masculine, and DSN is Dative Singular Neuter.
4) The Roman’s “being planted in the likeness of His death” is what was meant by Paul’s charge: “They have not all obeyed the gospel.” Finally, we concluded our investigation,
c. In Colossians 2:12. The sentence: “Buried with Him in the baptism.” The text can be mapped in this manner,
1) The phrase “Buried with” in Gr., is synthapto, a verb | or V-2API-1P. See Romans 6:4.
2) The word “Him” in Gr., is autos, a personal/possessive pronoun | or P-DSM.
3) The word “in” in Gr., is en, a preposition | or PREP.
4) The word “the” in Gr., is ho, a definite article | or T-DSN.
5) The word “baptism” in Gr., is baptisma, a noun | or N-DSN.
NOTE: NPM is Nominative Plural Masculine, and DSN is Dative Singular Neuter.
3. Application: The definite articles and nouns agree in case, number, and gender. Therefore, the part of "Esaias' Report" that was not obeyed was "all had not been planted together in the likeness of His death" or “buried with Christ in the baptism.” Israel had heard the Report but was not obedient to it. Like their forefathers, who “rejected the Baptism of John,” these Jews had “rejected the Baptism of Christ,” Luke 3:3-14; Luke 7:28-30. Therefore,
a. The Report had to be heard, believed, and obeyed, i.e., "planted in the likeness of His death, or buried with Him (Christ) in baptism.” Paul and the Romans had heard, believed, and obeyed Esaias’ Report through their faith and the act of obedience: baptism. Thus, being “justified from their sin,” Romans 6:7. Beloved, in the Lord, there could be no other answer to this question!
b. Recall the Corinthians: "Hearing believed and were baptized," Acts 18:8. Therefore, the Corinthians’ "baptism" was their “planting together in the likeness” of Christ’s death and burial. They were then raised “in the likeness of His resurrection.”
c. Conclusion: To be planted (united or buried) in the likeness of His death is to obey the Gospel through faith and obedience. This exercise connects Romans 10:16, Romans 6:5, and Colossians 2:12 to illustrate how repentant believers must be baptized “to obey Esaias’ Report.”
1) They heard the preaching of the faith: the Gospel's (good news), believed it in their hearts, and "obeyed out of the heart that form of the doctrine” baptism: "Being then made free from their sin, they became the servants of righteousness," Romans 6:17-18; 1 Corinthians 15:1-4.
2) If one never obeys the Gospel through the faith and in the Baptism, they’re never planted in the likeness of (Christ's death and burial), thus, never being raised from the dead, “being released, justified, cleansed, or forgiven of their sins,” John 8:31-32; Colossians 2:11-13.
4. Faith and obedience. The repentant believers’ faith and obedience to Christ permits God to be: "Just and the Justifier of all who believeth in Jesus," Romans 3:26; Romans 5:1-2. In these "covenant relationships," God used “faith and baptism” to ratify them. Notice,
a. By faith, Noah built an ark for the “saving of his house,” Hebrews 11:7; 1 Peter 3:20-21. The ark’s passing through the water was a “baptism to Noah and his house.”
NOTE: W. E. Vines explains: “The experience of those who were in the ark at the time of the Flood was a figure or type of the facts of spiritual death, burial, and resurrection. (The) Christian baptism, being an antitupon, “a corresponding type,” a “like figure,” 1 Peter 3:21,” Page 97. The like figure of what? The salvation of the eight souls that were saved from the flood.
b. By faith, Israel “passed through the Red Sea, to be saved from their enemies,” Hebrews 11:29. Similarly, the people’s passing through the Red Sea was a baptism for them unto Moses, 1 Corinthians 10:1-4. Israel's faith and Baptism unto Moses is an antitupon to “our passing through the waters of baptism” during the process of: “The washing of regeneration, and the renewing of the Holy Ghost,” Titus 3:5. I wish I had some help right now! Consider,
NOTE: Vines commenting on Israel’s passing through the Red Sea. He explains: “Likewise, the nation of Israel was figuratively baptized when made to pass through the Red Sea under the cloud (and in the sea), 1 Corinthians 10:2,” Page 97. [Words in (parentheses) are my insertions to complete the text]. Similarly,
c. By faith and baptism, the repentant believers "are planted in the likeness of Christ's death" to be "justified from the sin" and “to fulfill all righteousness,” Romans 6:5-7; Matthew 3:15. Amen. Closing comments,
1) I appreciate your patience in permitting me to share this Truth concerning: "fulfilling all righteousness;" through faith, repentance, and baptism to be: "Forgiven of sins and to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit," Acts 2:38; Acts 5:32; Romans 5:5. God’s Holy Spirit, given unto you,
2) He will guide you, support you, and enable you to “live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world,” Titus 2:11-12.
3) He will also enable you to walk “by faith” before God for the remaining days of your life, 2 Corinthians 5:7.
4) If you have sincere faith and are willing to obey Him: “God will save you by His grace,” Romans 5:1-2; Ephesians 2:8-9.
5) And He will accept you as “His child, adding you to the Lord’s church,” John 1:11-12; Acts 2:47. Knowing this truth,
d. Peter, therefore, directed the repentant believers on Pentecost to: “Repent, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission (forgiveness, justification) of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost,” Acts 2:38.
1) And Paul reminds the Corinthians: “That you were washed, you were sanctified, and you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and by the Spirit of our God,” 1 Corinthians 6:11.
2) He could likewise teach the Romans: "But you have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine, being then made free from your sin," Romans 6:17-18. The form of the doctrine was Baptism.
3) They have been “planted or buried with Him” so that the body of sin might be destroyed. For “he that is dead is justified from sin,” Romans 6:5-7.
4) And has “fulfilled all righteousness” to be pleasing unto God, Matthew 3:15-17. As I conclude, let me quickly review what we have discussed...
CONCLUSION
A. Outline.
1. Baptized into His death
2. Baptized into His burial
3. Baptized into His resurrection
B. Summarize Main Points.
1. First, we discussed their baptism into His death. Paul wrote: “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?” Romans 6:3. Baptism is where the believer imitates Christ’s death for sin. The believer dies to the practice of sin, ungodliness, and all unrighteousness. Vowing to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this world, bearing fruits unto holiness and the end to everlasting life in Christ Jesus, Romans 6:22-23; Titus 2:11-12.
2. Next, we described their baptism into His burial. He penned: “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised (up) from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life,” Romans 6:4. Paul pictures the repentant believer being buried with (alongside) of Christ in the liquid tomb of baptism! The old man is crucified, the body of sin is destroyed and buried, and the believer is “now justified” or “freed” from sin, having become a new creation in Christ Jesus, Romans 6:7; 2 Corinthians 5:17.
3. Lastly, we investigated their baptism into His resurrection. Finally, he inscribed: “For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall also be in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed (justified) from (the) sin,” Romans 6:5-7. Finally, Paul states that the believer is now in Christ and rises to walk in a new life, giving glory and honor unto God in all good works, Ephesians 2:10. He has become “God’s Magnificent Masterpiece” in Christ! Now, with this conclusion, let’s consider heaven’s invitation.
C. Invitation. Present God's pattern of conversion. Jesus said: "Come unto me all ye that labor," Matthew 11:28-30. [Explain the POC, i.e., hearing and believing the gospel; repentance of all past sins, Luke 24:44-47; confessing faith in Christ, as the Son of God, Matthew 10:32-33; and then, by obeying the gospel, Romans 10:16-18; Romans 6:17-18; that is to: "repent and be baptized, in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost," Acts 2:38; Acts 5:31-32; Ephesians 1:13-14].
D. Exhortation. "The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved," Jeremiah 8:20.
E. Motivation. Do as Peter directed: "Save thyself," Acts 2:40; Acts 2:36-39; Acts 2:41.
Acknowledgments and Commendations.
To: "Render therefore to all their dues: tributes to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; and honor to whom honor (is due),” Romans 13:7. I acknowledge my consultation with these distinguished authors.
References.
1. Merriam-Webster, since 1828, by Merriam-Webster, Incorporated (Merriam-Webster.com), 2017.
2. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Bible, by Matthew Henry, Christian Classics Ethereal Library, Grand Rapids, MI, 1706.
3. The People's New Testament, by B. W. Johnson, Christian Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, MI, 1891.
4. Greek Manuscript, 1992, New Testament, Manuscripts in St. Catherine's Monastery, Mount Sinai, 1400 to 1499 AD, date April 21, 1950. Image 105, page 111, middle section. ["Library of Congress Collection of Manuscripts in St. Catherine's Monastery, Mt. Sinai." Mount Sinai: Microfilm 5010: Greek (1,078); and Mount Sinai (1,691), Library of Congress (LOC).]
5. The Greek-English Interlinear CSB New Testament, Holman Bible Publishers, 28th Revised Edition, Christian Standard Bible, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234, Copyright 2022.
6. The New Greek/English Interlinear, NRSV, New Testament, United Bible Societies,’ Fifth Revised Edition, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, IL 60188, Copyright, 2020.
7. Textus Receptus, taken from the Greek Text of Stephens 1550, The Englishman’s Greek New Testament, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, First Zondervan Printing, 1970.
8. The New Greek-English Interlinear New Testament; United Bible Societies,’ Fourth, Corrected Edition, Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, IL, 1990.
9. Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words, by W. E. Vine, Fleming H. Revell Company, Old Tappan, NJ, Copyright, 1981.
10. The BlueLetterBible.org, (BLB’s) Interlinear, Textus Receptus; and the Morphological GNT, © 2022, by the Blue Letter Bible. This tool allows you to access the Greek New Testament in both manuscripts. https://www.blb.org/. The BLB also provides tutorials to help you learn how to use it. Link, (www.BLB.org).
A word of thanks to BLB.org.
Thank you for this valuable tool of study, BLB.org. It has been an excellent instrument for me to learn and use the Interlinear to bring my sermons alive to the audience. Thank you very much for this great Application to help study the scriptures.
Contact Information.
Ron Freeman, Evangelist
wwmcoc@earthlink.net
https://wwmchurchofchrist.org/
Website: https://en.gravatar.com/refreeman
