17/05/2026
Therefore we are buried with him through baptism into death so that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also might walk in newness of life.
6:3-4 Of what “baptism” is Paul speaking here? “Baptism” is a word taken from Greek. If we translate the Greek word here instead of using the words “baptized” and “baptism” these verses could read – “all of us who were immersed (or submerged or brought) into Christ Jesus were immersed (or submerged or brought) into His death. We were therefore buried with Him through this immersion into death”. “Immersion” would thus mean immersion into Christ, not in water. It would indicate union with Christ, entering into a special relationship with Him, being made members of His body by the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 12:12-13; John 17:21,23).
The Greek words for baptized and baptism are used in a figurative sense in other places in the New Testament. See Luke 12:50; 1 Cor 10:2. Water baptism can be only a symbol of the spiritual realities of which Paul speaks here. Going into the water speaks of death and burial with Christ. Coming out of the water speaks of resurrection with Christ. See notes on water baptism at Matt 3:6; 28:19; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; on Spirit baptism see notes at Acts 1:5. The purpose of all God did for us in Christ is that we “might walk in newness of life”, resurrection life, a life freed from the bo***ge of sin and death. See 2 Cor 5:17; Titus 2:11-14.⚜
Romans 6:4
