3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?
Romans 6:3-5 and 6-10 explain how the tyranny of sin has been broken for the believer. Verses three to five show how believers died to sin. They died to sin in that they died with Christ when He died. They will be united with Him in His resurrection.
3 Or
Paul now introduced the subject of our identification with Christ, our identification with His death.
do you not know
This is an appeal to common knowledge about the Christian faith that they have neglected—our identity with Christ in His death. Identification with Christ was no novel idea. Christian living rests on Christian truth.
that as many of us as were baptized into [into union with] Christ Jesus
Baptism here is not water baptism but taking on a new identity in Christ. The Greek (aorist, passive, indicative) indicates that it was at God’s initiative; it was God who did the baptizing of the believer into union with Christ Jesus. This has nothing to do with water baptism.
Ga 3:27, For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
The word “baptized” is not a translation but a transliteration (the Greek word is flopped into the text without translation). If we were to translate “baptized” we would translate it “identified.” Thus, baptism is to enter into the benefits of identification with Christ.
This is radically different than being “in Adam” and identifying (being identified) with him as our federal head. The argument of 5:12-31 revolved around our union with two persons: (1) our identity in Adam and (2) our union or identity with Christ as our Second Adam. This chapter expands the idea of our identity with Christ. Our baptism in Christ signifies our union with Christ.
were baptized into His death?
When we placed trust in Christ’s death, we received His identity before God. Our sin capacity is positionally dead in God’s eyes. This baptism is not something we can feel or experience directly; it is a provision made by God without our direct knowledge except through revelation.
PRINCIPLE:
If a Christian truly understands his union with Christ, he will apply this daily to his struggle with sin.
APPLICATION:
Antinomianism is not in the God-given DNA of a true believer. Our union with Christ necessarily produces newness of life. Sin does not die to the believer, but the believer has died to sin. Christ’s death for sin becomes our death to sin.
Why do you think "baptized" here is not water ?
Allen, the argument of the entire chapter is about positional truth–"baptized into Christ." That baptism cannot be literal. Also, "baptized into his death" is also metaphorical, God identifies (baptizes) us into the effects of the death of Christ on our behalf.
What do you base those ideas on ? I understand this to be literal water baptism.
Allen, the Greek word baptizo has both literal and metaphorial meanings. The context determines which it is. The entire argument from the middle of chapter three through chapter five deals with positional truth. For example, the argument from 3:21-chapter five is a believer is declared righteous by faith and faith alone. The omicon and omega suffixes are causitive. God causes the believer legally to be as righteous as God is righteous (not in experience). Chapter 6 shows how to live the Christian life based on the grace principle. The grace principle is that God put us into an eternal status in His eyes by Christ. That is, we died with Christ, we were buried with Him, and we rose with Him positionally. There is nothing in this passage about water baptism.
I continue to be amazed at people who are supposed to know scripture and God’s plan of salvation, yet, will not forget Calvin’s misguided theology!! I guess you will say that all other references to “baptizo” are not water baptism? The greek is clear, it is “immersion”! The rub for me is that you Calvinists’ start with the false premise that baptism is a work!! How misguided you are…no wonder the in-churched are confused! This theology taints the actual truth of scripture…where else do you die with Jesus except…by baptism into his death! Immersion is the picture as Paul understood it as a picture of the death, burial, and resurrection….I become a new creature by being Immersed into His Death…by water baptism into his death…the act of a good conscience…not a work!! I Peter 3.18-22….you don’t mentally wash dirt off…water!! I’m sure you who follow Calvin could care less about my thoughts…I pray for you, the same prayer of Jesus in John 17! No one in book of Acts…history of the church and how you get “into Christ”…no one was saved apart from water baptism. Check it out!! Not even Paul!!
Webster, the Greek word baptize does not mean to immerse. The Greek word baptizo is not a translated but a transliterated word, that is, the Greek spelling of the word is flopped into the text without translation. The root of baptizo is bapto which does mean to immerse. However, we must take the meaning of baptizo by its usage in the NT, not by its root meaning. Sometimes baptizo does mean to immerse but the context must determine that idea, not the root meaning of the word.
Note this study: http://versebyversecommentary.com/articles/doctrine/the-single-condition-for-salvation/
In regard to Webster Oglesby‘s comment. The very verses he quoted 1 Peter 3:18-22, verse 21 in particular refute the idea that it’s about being dipped in water. But about relationship with Christ. Being in Christ is what saves you, not being in water. It’s not what you do, but what Christ did! Question .. when did the thief on the cross get water baptized?
I’d hate to pretend no one was baptized in water for the “remission of their sins.” Not that water I suppose right? Cant be the water that three-thousand new Christians in Acts 2 were baptized in. Good grief people stop pretending baptism isn’t commanded by Christ in Matt 28:18-20. The last “manual” I was handed by a specific church said “Baptism is commanded by Christ, but not essential to salvation.” Well that makes a lot of sense to people doesn’t it?
Cant be the water that Lydia was baptized in right? Not literal baptism?
Cant be the water Saul himself was baptized in right? that Washes away sin? Acts 22:16? Not that water? Positional?
Cant be the same water Jesus told his apostles to baptize in Matt 28. Cant be right? Or the water that Jesus said, “Born of water and the spirit” just like in Acts 2? They repented and were baptized and received the gift of the Holy Spirit? ???? Cant be that same water right?
Sure we don’t merit salvation. Who washes sins away? Me? No. His blood does. But you better make sure you remember Jesus commanded baptism in water before you teach as if He didn’t. It will always be what Christ did.
As far as the thief, that was before Jesus died. Old law. Plus I think Jesus can surely tell whoever to be saved immediately if He wishes. I know what is commanded. Romans 6 spells out what happens in baptism. I wont pretend SOULS WERENT BAPTIZED INTO CHRIST AND BECAME NT CHRISTIANS. I WONT.
Logan, my, what a facetious remark! Nowhere in over 9,000 pages have I said that water baptism is not necessary! It can be found many places in the New Testament. The Bible teaches both literal baptism and metaphorical baptism. We can see metaphorical baptism of the believer into positional status with Christ in 1 Co 12:13 and Romans 6 among other places. Luke 12:50 speaks of a metaphorical baptism of Jesus’ death. There is a metaphorical baptism into Moses, the cloud and the sea (1 Co 10:2). Look at this study: https://versebyversecommentary.com/1-corinthians/1-corinthians-101-3/ I would suggest that you study more fully than you do!!
Grant, your right on time with the context of scripture. I remember the day I thought water saved us. Blinders have to come down but only when one opens it heart to the truth. You did a good job on this. God Bless.
David, thanks for your thoughts.
Very well put. Water cannot save us, only the blood of our Redeemer. Water baptism is not redemptive but our first good step in following our Lord. Positionally being in Jesus by faith in His sacrifice, now that saves us…He that believes in Me is not condemned.
I believe this is water baptism here is why scripture interpret scripture. ACTS 2.38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized,every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Question 1 what does baptism have to do with forgiveness of sins?
Acts 22.16 16And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
Question 2. what does baptism have to do with washing away Sins?
Romans 6.3 3Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4Therefore 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. 5For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7For he that is dead is freed from sin.
Question 3 how do you take part in any of this if baptism is optional?
Mark 1616 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.
Question 4 what does baptism have to do with saving?
Gal 3.27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Question 5. how do you put on Christ is baptism is optional and not needed for salvation?
1 Peter 3.21 21The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
Question 5 what does baptism have to do with saving ?
1 Peter 3.18 20Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. 21The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us.
Question 6. If Noah was saved by water and the like figure is water baptism then again what does baptism have to do with saving?
David, note my responses to your questions:
Question 1 what does baptism have to do with forgiveness of sins?
Acts 22.16 16And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
MY RESPONSE: In Acts 22:16, the picture of baptism is not the agent of “cleansing,” but the illustration of spiritual cleansing already taken place (1 Co 6:11; 1 Pe 3:21). The only genuine agent is faith in the finished work of Christ. The apostle John uses the words “faith” and “believe” 99 times. He shows clearly that salvation is by faith alone, plus nothing, as do other authors of Scripture. The phrase “calling on His name (cf. Joel 2:32) is a synonym for faith. When God saved Paul on the Damascus Road he came to believe that Jesus of Nazareth was the Messiah predicted in the Old Testament (v. 10; cf. Ga 1:11-12; Acts 9:17-18). His experience was to be baptized in water after he called on the Lord. God washed his sins away when he called on the Lord. He then was baptized. Also “calling on” is an aroist participle. The action of the aorist participle precedes the action of the main verb. The idea is “having called on” the Lord, he then was baptized. Baptism symbolized the method of salvation. The Greek word for baptize was transliterated, not translated. In other words, the Greek word was flopped into English without translation. The translation of “baptize” is to identify. Baptism shows our identity with Christ.
Also, “Wash away” is middle voice—allow your sins to be washed away, that is, by calling on the name of the Lord.
Acts 9 shows that Paul was saved before his water baptism. Acts 10:47 shows that Cornelius was saved and baptized with the Spirit before his water baptism. It is regeneration that washes away our sins, not water baptism (Ti 3:5). Paul, in fact, minimizes water baptism as a major doctrine (1 Co 1:14-17).
Question 2. what does baptism have to do with washing away Sins?
Romans 6.3 3Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4Therefore 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. 5For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 6Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 7For he that is dead is freed from sin.
MY RESPONSE: The Romans 6 passage has nothing to do with water baptism. See my study on this passage.
Question 3 how do you take part in any of this if baptism is optional?
Mark 1616 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.
MY RESPONSE: Christian baptism elsewhere in the New Testament is always an outward confession of belief in Jesus Christ. This verse also regards baptism this way. The second part of the verse clearly teaches that unbelief results in condemnation (cf. Mark 9:43-48), not unbelief and failure to undergo baptism. In the first part of the verse, one article governs both participles: has believed and has been baptized (NASB) or believes and is baptized (NIV). This indicates the close relationship between believing and being baptized. However they are not inseparable (cf. Romans 3:21-28; 1 Corinthians 1:17; Ephesians 2:8-9). Baptism is not a condition for salvation, but it is an important step of obedience for a believing disciple.
Question 4 what does baptism have to do with saving?
Gal 3.27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
See my commentary on Ga 3:27.
Question 5. how do you put on Christ is baptism is optional and not needed for salvation?
1 Peter 3.21 21The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
MY RESPONSE: See my commentary on 1 Peter 3:21
Question 5 what does baptism have to do with saving ?
1 Peter 3.18 20Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water. 21The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us.
MY RESPONSE: See my commentary on 1 Peter 3:18-20
Question 6. If Noah was saved by water and the like figure is water baptism then again what does baptism have to do with saving?
MY RESPONSE: See my commentary on that passage.