Romans 6:4
Verse
Context
Dead to Sin, Alive to God
3Or aren’t you aware that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?4We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may walk in newness of life.
Sermons
Leonard RavenhillLeonard Ravenhill
Derek Prince
Watchman Nee
David Wilkerson
Warren WiersbeSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
We are buried with him by baptism into death - It is probable that the apostle here alludes to the mode of administering baptism by immersion, the whole body being put under the water, which seemed to say, the man is drowned, is dead; and, when he came up out of the water, he seemed to have a resurrection to life; the man is risen again; he is alive! He was, therefore, supposed to throw off his old Gentile state as he threw off his clothes, and to assume a new character, as the baptized generally put on new or fresh garments. I say it is probable that the apostle alludes to this mode of immersion; but it is not absolutely certain that he does so, as some do imagine; for, in the next verse, our being incorporated into Christ by baptism is also denoted by our being planted, or rather, grafted together in the likeness of his death; and Noah's ark floating upon the water, and sprinkled by the rain from heaven, is a figure corresponding to baptism, Pe1 3:20, Pe1 3:21; but neither of these gives us the same idea of the outward form as burying. We must be careful, therefore, not to lay too much stress on such circumstances. Drowning among the ancients was considered the most noble kind of death; some think that the apostle may allude to this. The grand point is, that this baptism represents our death to sin, and our obligation to walk in newness of life: without which, of what use can it or any other rite be? Raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father - From this we learn, that as it required the glory of the Father, that is, his glorious energy, to raise up from the grave the dead body of Christ, so it requires the same glorious energy to quicken the dead soul of a sinner, and enable him to walk in newness of life.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Therefore we are--rather, "were" (it being a past act, completed at once). buried with him, by baptism into death--(The comma we have placed after "him" will show what the sense is. It is not, "By baptism we are buried with Him into death," which makes no sense at all; but, "By baptism with Him into death we are buried with Him"; in other words, "By the same baptism which publicly enters us into His death, we are made partakers of His burial also"). To leave a dead body unburied is represented, alike in heathen authors as in Scripture, as the greatest indignity (Rev 11:8-9). It was fitting, therefore, that Christ, after "dying for our sins according to the Scriptures," should "descend into the lower parts of the earth" (Eph 4:9). As this was the last and lowest step of His humiliation, so it was the honorable dissolution of His last link of connection with that life which He laid down for us; and we, in being "buried with Him by our baptism into His death," have by this public act severed our last link of connection with that whole sinful condition and life which Christ brought to an end in His death. that like as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father--that is, by such a forth-putting of the Father's power as was the effulgence of His whole glory. even so we also--as risen to a new life with Him. should walk in newness of life--But what is that "newness?" Surely if our old life, now dead and buried with Christ, was wholly sinful, the new, to which we rise with the risen Saviour, must be altogether a holy life; so that every time we go back to "those things whereof we are now ashamed" (Rom 6:21), we belie our resurrection with Christ to newness of life, and "forget that we have been purged from our old sins" (Pe2 1:9). (Whether the mode of baptism by immersion be alluded to in this verse, as a kind of symbolical burial and resurrection, does not seem to us of much consequence. Many interpreters think it is, and it may be so. But as it is not clear that baptism in apostolic times was exclusively by immersion [see on Act 2:41], so sprinkling and washing are indifferently used in the New Testament to express the cleansing efficacy of the blood of Jesus. And just as the woman with the issue of blood got virtue out of Christ by simply touching Him, so the essence of baptism seems to lie in the simple contact of the element with the body, symbolizing living contact with Christ crucified; the mode and extent of suffusion being indifferent and variable with climate and circumstances).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death,.... The nature and end of baptism are here expressed; the nature of it, it is a "burial"; and when the apostle so calls it, he manifestly refers to the ancient and only way of administering this ordinance, by immersion; when a person is covered, and as it were buried in water, as a corpse is when laid the earth, and covered with it: and it is a burial with Christ; it is a representation of the burial of Christ, and of our burial with him as our head and representative, and that "into death"; meaning either the death of Christ as before, that is, so as to partake of the benefits of his death; or the death of sin, of which baptism is also a token; for believers, whilst under water, are as persons buried, and so dead; which signifies not only their being dead with Christ, and their communion with him in his death, but also their being dead to sin by the grace of Christ, and therefore ought not to live in it: for the apostle is still pursuing his argument, and is showing, from the nature, use, and end of baptism, that believers are dead to sin, and therefore cannot, and ought not, to live in it; as more fully appears from the end of baptism next mentioned; 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; for the end of baptism is not only to represent the death and burial, but also the resurrection of Christ from the dead, which is here said to be "by the glory of the Father", some read the words, "unto the glory of the Father"; meaning either, that the Father might be glorified hereby; or that Christ, being raised from the dead, might enjoy glory with the Father, as he does in human nature; but rather the phrase expresses the means by which, and not the end to which, Christ was raised from the dead: and by the "glory of the Father" is meant, the glorious power of the Father, which was eminently displayed in raising Christ from the dead; and as baptism is designed to represent the resurrection of Christ, which is done by raising the person out of the water, so likewise to represent our resurrection from the death of sin, to a life of grace: whence it must be greatly incumbent on baptized believers, who are raised from the graves of sin by the power of Christ, to "walk in newness of life"; for since they are become new creatures, and have new hearts and new spirits given them, new principles of light, life, grace, and holiness implanted in them, and have entered into a new profession of religion, of which baptism is the badge and symbol, they ought to live a new life and conversation.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:4 we died and were buried with Christ: The believer’s power over sin and the ability to lead a new life stem from identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection (see 6:5, 8). From God’s perspective, Jesus’ death to sin (see 6:10) is ours as well. His rising to new life means that we also begin to lead a new life, and in the future our bodies will also be raised.
Romans 6:4
Dead to Sin, Alive to God
3Or aren’t you aware that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?4We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may walk in newness of life.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
What Is Your Life? (Cd Quality)
By Leonard Ravenhill9.2K1:19:04Brevity Of LifeROM 6:4GAL 5:24COL 3:3JAS 4:141JN 5:12In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of using our time wisely and seeking a meaningful relationship with God. He encourages the audience to prioritize their spiritual growth over worldly distractions. The speaker highlights the incredible truth that as believers, our lives are hidden in Christ and in God. He challenges the listeners to surrender their own desires and submit to God's authority, recognizing the need for discipline and studying the Word of God.
Baptism of Repentance
By Leonard Ravenhill8.3K1:25:30RepentanceGEN 6:3MAT 3:11MRK 1:8ACT 1:5ACT 2:4ROM 6:41CO 12:13In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the difference between walking in a normal regenerate state and walking in the power of the Holy Ghost. He highlights the radical transformation that occurs when someone is born again and filled with the Holy Spirit. The speaker uses the analogy of a rocket launch to illustrate the power of fire, comparing it to the power of the Holy Spirit. He also shares a testimony of a woman named Miss Swan who captivated a bored and tired congregation with her passionate testimony. The sermon concludes with a reminder that the biblical way of shining is through burning, which signifies being completely surrendered to God's will.
Water Baptism - Part 2
By Derek Prince7.6K23:31Water BaptismMAT 6:33ACT 2:38ROM 1:4ROM 6:41CO 15:3COL 2:121PE 3:21In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of water baptism as a representation of the gospel message. He explains that the gospel is centered on the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, as stated in 1 Corinthians 15. Water baptism symbolizes our acceptance of these truths and our identification with Christ through faith. The preacher highlights that through baptism, we declare that we are dead to sin and have been raised to newness of life, just as Jesus was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He encourages believers to continually reckon themselves dead to sin and live in the reality of their new life in Christ.
Two Creations (Reading)
By Watchman Nee7.3K28:11JHN 15:4ROM 6:4ROM 8:12CO 3:18GAL 2:20EPH 2:10COL 2:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that the work of God in our lives is mysterious and beyond our understanding. He explains that through the new birth, we receive a new and divine life that is separate from our natural life. This new creation in Christ is made possible through the cross and resurrection of Jesus. The preacher encourages believers to abide in Christ and rest in the fact that God has placed them in His Son. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on Christ rather than trying to produce fruit, as it is God's work to fulfill His promises in our lives. The sermon also highlights the distinction between the kingdom of this world, dominated by Satan, and the kingdom of God. The preacher urges believers to have faith in the objective facts of the Gospel, which will transform them and make them fruitful in their Christian walk. The key message is to continually look to Christ and see ourselves in Him, rather than focusing on our own efforts or circumstances.
The Power of the Holy Ghost (2 of 2)
By David Wilkerson6.0K46:06PSA 25:12MAT 6:33JHN 8:36ROM 6:4ROM 8:11In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the New Covenant and the freedom it brings. He shares his personal journey of preaching since childhood and his lifelong burden to comprehend the covenant God has made with His people. The preacher highlights that God's desire is not to condemn but to save His children, offering them all the power and strength they need. He encourages listeners to stop relying on their own efforts and instead surrender to God, seeking a closer relationship with Jesus to experience true freedom from sin.
What Christmas Promises: Forgiveness
By Warren Wiersbe4.6K38:03ROM 6:42CO 5:171JN 2:241JN 3:31JN 3:51JN 3:71JN 4:9In this sermon, the preacher discusses the manifestation of God's love towards humanity through the sending of His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, into the world. The preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the concept of sin and how it has become a popular topic in today's society. He explains that while our old nature remains unchanged, God implants a new nature in us through His Son. The preacher highlights three ministries of Jesus Christ in helping us solve the sin problem: His death for our sins, His indwelling presence in believers, and His promise to return for us. He concludes with a prayer for forgiveness and salvation for those who trust in Jesus Christ.
(John - Part 46): The Last Supper: Jesus' True Humility
By A.W. Tozer4.4K51:22ExpositionalISA 1:16ISA 1:27ISA 1:31ROM 6:4ROM 6:6In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of Jesus washing the disciples' feet. He explains that in biblical times, it was customary for a servant to wash the feet of guests as a sign of hospitality. The speaker emphasizes that this act of service symbolizes humility and the importance of having a meek and quiet heart. He warns against relying solely on literal interpretations of scripture and emphasizes the need for a genuine change of heart and a true transformation in one's life. The speaker also criticizes the idea of simply going through religious rituals without experiencing a true spiritual transformation.
The Preacher
By Vance Havner3.7K19:18PreacherEXO 30:32MAT 4:4MAT 22:37ROM 6:4EPH 4:122TI 3:16REV 21:5In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of the role of the preacher in today's society. He emphasizes that despite the push towards celebrity and entertainment, the Bible still states that people need a preacher to hear the word of God. The preacher argues that the kind of preaching we need is the same as it has always been. He criticizes a radio preacher who focused on worldly matters instead of the true message of redemption. The preacher urges believers to preach the truth of the Bible and to be aware of the apocalyptic times we are living in, referencing various biblical events and symbols.
Faith Unto Enlargement Through Adversity - Part 4
By T. Austin-Sparks2.7K57:04AdversityGEN 2:9MRK 2:22JHN 10:10ROM 4:16ROM 6:41JN 5:11REV 22:2In this sermon, the preacher discusses the issue of inequality and excess in society. He highlights how the surplus of resources is often withheld from the poor in order to maintain a market. The preacher also criticizes the culture of gratification and materialism, using Hollywood as an example. He then turns to the letter to the Romans, specifically chapter 4, and emphasizes the importance of faith and the power of God to give life to the dead. The preacher concludes by emphasizing the need for true spiritual life and establishment, rather than relying on external factors or knowledge alone.
Romans - Part 1
By Zac Poonen2.4K55:20RomansROM 1:3ROM 2:17ROM 3:9ROM 5:3ROM 6:4In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Romans and the theme of the gospel of God. He emphasizes that the gospel is not about us, but about Jesus, who was born as a descendant of David according to the flesh. The preacher highlights the importance of belief in experiencing the fullness of the gospel, stating that one's level of belief determines how much they will receive from it. He also emphasizes the foundational message of Romans, which is that all people are sinners and in need of God's grace.
New Covenant Greater Then the Old Covenant
By Alan Martin2.3K00:00New CovenantEXO 34:29EZK 36:22JHN 15:3ROM 6:4EPH 5:26In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God accomplished His plan of salvation not through a judicial decree, but by sending His very life, the fullness of God, in the form of Jesus Christ. Through Jesus, the Spirit of the Father is poured out on believers, filling them and enabling them to bring glory to God through their good works. The preacher acknowledges that believers may still struggle with sinful desires, but under the leadership of Jesus, they can overcome these desires and live by the Spirit. By cooperating with God in the process of cutting away their old nature, believers can experience the glory that comes from being transformed by the Spirit. The preacher encourages believers to demonstrate God's holiness in their lives and to believe in the power of God, as demonstrated in the resurrection of Jesus.
Artificial Christians
By Keith Daniel2.3K1:11:19False ConversionMAT 7:16LUK 13:6JHN 3:3JHN 15:1ROM 6:42CO 5:17JAS 2:14In this sermon, the preacher describes a beautiful location with magnificent mountains where he was invited to preach. Initially, people were more interested in enjoying their holidays and visiting the glass chapel in the hotel. However, after the preacher delivered a simple and powerful message about being born again, many people started attending the meetings instead of going on holiday. The preacher emphasizes the importance of bearing fruit in one's life, as God seeks fruit from His people. He warns against taking chances and playing the fool with God, urging listeners to stay close to Him for safety. The sermon ends with a personal anecdote about being led astray in a misty mountain area, highlighting the need to trust in God's guidance.
Lazarus Is Dead and I Am Glad
By Carter Conlon2.1K42:59EZK 37:1JHN 11:25ROM 6:4This sermon focuses on the story of Lazarus being raised from the dead by Jesus, emphasizing the power of resurrection and the need for individuals to believe in God's ability to bring life to dead situations. It challenges listeners to acknowledge their powerlessness and trust in God's miraculous intervention, highlighting the importance of surrendering to God's will and experiencing His resurrection power in their lives.
Christ Is All: Union With Christ
By J. Glyn Owen2.1K51:14UnionMAT 6:33ROM 6:4COL 2:6COL 2:16COL 2:20In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the concept of our union with Christ. He emphasizes that as believers, we are united with Christ and share in his glory. The preacher highlights two main commands given by the apostle Paul to the Colossians: to seek the things above where Christ is seated at the right hand of God, and to set our hearts on those things. He explains that our union with Christ has four important implications: we have died with Christ to the basic principles of this world, we have been raised with Christ to new life, our life is now hidden with Christ in God, and we will share in Christ's glory when it is revealed. The preacher encourages believers to understand and embrace their union with Christ in order to have assurance and to effectively serve God in the world.
Authentic Christianity
By Alistair Begg2.1K24:02AuthenticityMAT 6:33JHN 11:25ROM 6:4ROM 6:23EPH 2:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the common belief that the problems of mankind can be solved through external means such as direction, explanation, encouragement, and self-discipline. He criticizes pastors who focus solely on addressing these issues in their churches. The speaker argues that the root problem of mankind is spiritual death, and therefore, what is needed is not reformation or indoctrination, but resurrection. He emphasizes the inescapable reality of physical death and the need for spiritual revival.
1992 Missions Conference Talk - Part 6
By Richard Wurmbrand1.9K06:25JHN 3:3ROM 6:4EPH 4:22COL 3:141JN 4:8
This sermon delves into the themes of repentance, transformation, and the power of love. It explores the contrast between violence and tenderness, highlighting the impact of genuine love and the need for a spiritual rebirth. The story illustrates the profound change that can occur when one encounters true love and chooses to embrace a new way of living, ultimately leading to a powerful act of baptism and conversion.
K-449 Baptized Unto Death
By Art Katz1.9K1:08:35BaptismMAT 6:33ROM 6:1ROM 6:4ROM 6:11ROM 6:13EPH 4:22In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not letting the patterns of the past and self-concern control our lives. He encourages believers to present themselves to God as instruments of righteousness, rather than instruments of wickedness. The preacher reminds the audience that the power of self has been broken at the cross, and believers now have the freedom to choose righteousness. He also highlights the significance of Jesus' death and resurrection, emphasizing that through Christ, believers have been purchased and set free from slavery to self.
Born Again
By Sandeep Poonen1.8K52:29JHN 3:3ROM 5:5ROM 6:4ROM 8:61PE 2:2
This sermon emphasizes the importance of being born again, focusing on the need to die to our old ways and be transformed by God's love. It highlights the significance of breathing in the love of God like oxygen, and longing for the pure milk of God's word to grow in our salvation. The speaker draws parallels to Romeo and Juliet, urging listeners to approach God's word with a heart that seeks to discover God's great love and be nourished by His truth.
What Happens When We Become Christians
By T. Austin-Sparks1.8K54:51New BelieverMAT 6:33JHN 3:3JHN 10:10JHN 14:6ROM 6:42CO 5:17EPH 2:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of the Christian life and its place in the eternal plans of God. The Christian life is characterized by a sense of hope and purpose, as believers have a deep-rooted consciousness that there is something wonderful ahead. Becoming a Christian brings about a new awareness of meaning and destiny, as well as a sense of vocation and calling. The speaker emphasizes that man's relationship with God is dislocated by nature, and that the Bible teaches that things were once right but have gone wrong.
Pilgrimage to Faith
By G.B. Duncan1.8K34:06CallingJER 29:13MAT 6:33JHN 12:21JHN 14:6ROM 6:42CO 12:9EPH 2:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of young people in the church and how they can be assisted in their faith journey. The speaker introduces a hymn that describes the church as a mighty army and encourages the congregation to follow in the footsteps of the saints who have gone before them. The speaker challenges the belief that there are more people attending church in Scotland than football matches, highlighting the need for a genuine commitment to church programs and Christian programs. The sermon concludes with a focus on Jesus Christ as the central figure in the church, emphasizing the need for submission and following him, as well as the assurance of eternal life through him.
Don't Bow (Compilation)
By Compilations1.7K21:05CompilationMAT 18:20MAT 22:14ROM 6:4ROM 6:18HEB 10:261PE 1:161JN 3:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of resistance and perseverance in the face of trials and challenges. He urges Christians to be girded with the word of God and led by the spirit of God. The preacher highlights the current state of many Christians as being faithless and worldly, and calls for a return to trusting in the living God. He emphasizes the need for repentance, holiness, and purity, and encourages believers to overcome sin through the power of the Holy Spirit.
(Manitoba 2001) God Is Our Loving Father
By Zac Poonen1.6K1:13:03Blessing Of GodROM 6:4HEB 8:10In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of representing God to our children as fathers. He highlights the characteristic of God being impartial and encourages listeners to build a strong foundation in their faith. The speaker also discusses the significance of salvation and the need to testify about accepting Christ. He uses the example of Zacchaeus, who repented and made amends for his unrighteous earnings. The sermon concludes with a reminder that believers were bought with the blood of Jesus and should not become slaves to anyone but Him.
Are You Ready? - Kwasizabantu Choir
By Erlo Stegen1.6K02:45JHN 3:3JHN 14:6ROM 6:4EPH 2:81JN 1:9
This sermon emphasizes the need for spiritual cleansing and readiness to meet God by being born again. It calls for a heart free from sin and a willingness to come to the cross to experience renewal and salvation through Jesus Christ.
The Horizon of Christ - Part 6
By T. Austin-Sparks1.5K44:47ChristACT 1:8ACT 9:1ROM 6:41CO 3:112CO 6:17PHP 3:101TH 1:8In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the limitless power of Jesus to give life. Despite the limited time he spent on earth, Jesus was able to touch and heal countless people, even raising the dead. However, through his resurrection, Jesus released his life as a spiritual power for all mankind to receive. The speaker encourages listeners to live in the reality of Jesus' resurrection and allow his life to transform and empower them.
What God Requires - Righteousness
By Zac Poonen1.4K58:40MAT 5:6ROM 3:22ROM 6:4ROM 8:3PHP 3:9
This sermon delves into the concept of righteousness as required by God, emphasizing the journey from imputed righteousness to imparted righteousness through the power of the Holy Spirit. It highlights the need for honesty, humility, and dependence on God in the battle against sin, drawing parallels to biblical stories like Peter walking on water. The message underscores the importance of seeking divine righteousness and not falling into legalism or comparison with others.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
We are buried with him by baptism into death - It is probable that the apostle here alludes to the mode of administering baptism by immersion, the whole body being put under the water, which seemed to say, the man is drowned, is dead; and, when he came up out of the water, he seemed to have a resurrection to life; the man is risen again; he is alive! He was, therefore, supposed to throw off his old Gentile state as he threw off his clothes, and to assume a new character, as the baptized generally put on new or fresh garments. I say it is probable that the apostle alludes to this mode of immersion; but it is not absolutely certain that he does so, as some do imagine; for, in the next verse, our being incorporated into Christ by baptism is also denoted by our being planted, or rather, grafted together in the likeness of his death; and Noah's ark floating upon the water, and sprinkled by the rain from heaven, is a figure corresponding to baptism, Pe1 3:20, Pe1 3:21; but neither of these gives us the same idea of the outward form as burying. We must be careful, therefore, not to lay too much stress on such circumstances. Drowning among the ancients was considered the most noble kind of death; some think that the apostle may allude to this. The grand point is, that this baptism represents our death to sin, and our obligation to walk in newness of life: without which, of what use can it or any other rite be? Raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father - From this we learn, that as it required the glory of the Father, that is, his glorious energy, to raise up from the grave the dead body of Christ, so it requires the same glorious energy to quicken the dead soul of a sinner, and enable him to walk in newness of life.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Therefore we are--rather, "were" (it being a past act, completed at once). buried with him, by baptism into death--(The comma we have placed after "him" will show what the sense is. It is not, "By baptism we are buried with Him into death," which makes no sense at all; but, "By baptism with Him into death we are buried with Him"; in other words, "By the same baptism which publicly enters us into His death, we are made partakers of His burial also"). To leave a dead body unburied is represented, alike in heathen authors as in Scripture, as the greatest indignity (Rev 11:8-9). It was fitting, therefore, that Christ, after "dying for our sins according to the Scriptures," should "descend into the lower parts of the earth" (Eph 4:9). As this was the last and lowest step of His humiliation, so it was the honorable dissolution of His last link of connection with that life which He laid down for us; and we, in being "buried with Him by our baptism into His death," have by this public act severed our last link of connection with that whole sinful condition and life which Christ brought to an end in His death. that like as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father--that is, by such a forth-putting of the Father's power as was the effulgence of His whole glory. even so we also--as risen to a new life with Him. should walk in newness of life--But what is that "newness?" Surely if our old life, now dead and buried with Christ, was wholly sinful, the new, to which we rise with the risen Saviour, must be altogether a holy life; so that every time we go back to "those things whereof we are now ashamed" (Rom 6:21), we belie our resurrection with Christ to newness of life, and "forget that we have been purged from our old sins" (Pe2 1:9). (Whether the mode of baptism by immersion be alluded to in this verse, as a kind of symbolical burial and resurrection, does not seem to us of much consequence. Many interpreters think it is, and it may be so. But as it is not clear that baptism in apostolic times was exclusively by immersion [see on Act 2:41], so sprinkling and washing are indifferently used in the New Testament to express the cleansing efficacy of the blood of Jesus. And just as the woman with the issue of blood got virtue out of Christ by simply touching Him, so the essence of baptism seems to lie in the simple contact of the element with the body, symbolizing living contact with Christ crucified; the mode and extent of suffusion being indifferent and variable with climate and circumstances).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death,.... The nature and end of baptism are here expressed; the nature of it, it is a "burial"; and when the apostle so calls it, he manifestly refers to the ancient and only way of administering this ordinance, by immersion; when a person is covered, and as it were buried in water, as a corpse is when laid the earth, and covered with it: and it is a burial with Christ; it is a representation of the burial of Christ, and of our burial with him as our head and representative, and that "into death"; meaning either the death of Christ as before, that is, so as to partake of the benefits of his death; or the death of sin, of which baptism is also a token; for believers, whilst under water, are as persons buried, and so dead; which signifies not only their being dead with Christ, and their communion with him in his death, but also their being dead to sin by the grace of Christ, and therefore ought not to live in it: for the apostle is still pursuing his argument, and is showing, from the nature, use, and end of baptism, that believers are dead to sin, and therefore cannot, and ought not, to live in it; as more fully appears from the end of baptism next mentioned; 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; for the end of baptism is not only to represent the death and burial, but also the resurrection of Christ from the dead, which is here said to be "by the glory of the Father", some read the words, "unto the glory of the Father"; meaning either, that the Father might be glorified hereby; or that Christ, being raised from the dead, might enjoy glory with the Father, as he does in human nature; but rather the phrase expresses the means by which, and not the end to which, Christ was raised from the dead: and by the "glory of the Father" is meant, the glorious power of the Father, which was eminently displayed in raising Christ from the dead; and as baptism is designed to represent the resurrection of Christ, which is done by raising the person out of the water, so likewise to represent our resurrection from the death of sin, to a life of grace: whence it must be greatly incumbent on baptized believers, who are raised from the graves of sin by the power of Christ, to "walk in newness of life"; for since they are become new creatures, and have new hearts and new spirits given them, new principles of light, life, grace, and holiness implanted in them, and have entered into a new profession of religion, of which baptism is the badge and symbol, they ought to live a new life and conversation.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:4 we died and were buried with Christ: The believer’s power over sin and the ability to lead a new life stem from identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection (see 6:5, 8). From God’s perspective, Jesus’ death to sin (see 6:10) is ours as well. His rising to new life means that we also begin to lead a new life, and in the future our bodies will also be raised.