We know that Christ, raised from the dead, dies no more; death no longer has power over him. Romans 6:9 NABRE
Paul writing to the church in Rome focuses on faith, baptism and Christ’s death and resurrection. Paul ties together those who have faith in Christ as members of the Body of Christ. If we believe in Christ, and we are baptized as an outward sign of our faith, then we have died with Christ. Death on the cross for Jesus was a death to sin, the human is sinful and Christ through crucifixion takes sin to the grave. Christ in rising conquers death so that death can no longer have any power of humans. Paul recognizes Christ death and resurrection as a conquering of death for Him and for all who are tied to Him through faith. We are united with Christ and unity brings all that is Christ’s into humanity for us. Christ can die no more and we too can die no more. We should think of ourselves as having passed with Christ through death, burial and resurrection, His personal experience is the source of our spiritual experience. The symbolism of baptism is that of dying, a faithful baptizer will hold the one being baptized under the water long enough for them to think about death, it is them dying and then when they are raised up from the water they are a new being, risen in the glory of Christ. Our old self dies and our new self lives in union with Christ.
Baptism is a sign, a symbol of what is in our hearts. Paul stresses faith; trusting God, being dependent on God, and living a life of selflessness and as much like Jesus as possible. When baptized we are publicly declaring our faith, but we must declare our faith every day with all our heart, soul, mind and strength.
Do you believe you died with Christ? Do you recognize you are risen with Christ?
Baptism is a sign, a symbol of what is in our hearts. When baptized we are publicly declaring our faith, but we must declare our faith every day with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. Click To Tweet#bible #godisgreat #jesus #christianity #dailybibleverse @youversion #BeAnEncourager #faith #baptism #Paul #everybodyalways #god #jesuschrist #jesussaves #godisgood #dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture #bibleverse #verseoftheday #cross #last #gospels #loveeachother #godisgreat #thisVineyard #youversion #everythingalways