Romans 6:4-6 We 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 live a new life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his. For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.
In this verse, Paul established in more specific detail the foundation for the phrase "those who have died to sin" from verse two in this chapter. The strength of the word "therefore" introduces the practical consequence of verse three: when we experience baptism with Christ, we experience baptism into His death. A burial would point to the proof positive of a death. We don't bury people who are alive; this always occurs after their death. As followers and believers in Christ Jesus, we have died in Christ to our sin position. This new Birth does not indicate that we will die, or we are going to die soon, which we will; it speaks of our death at a time past, our salvation.
In verse four, the phrase "buried with Him" shows a co-burial with Christ Jesus; we share His burial. Baptism, as used here, is a symbol, allegory, or a figure of speech, as well as our believer's baptism. However, there is no indication here or anywhere else in scripture that Water Baptism is a prerequisite for salvation. In this respect, baptism is significant to illustrate a spiritual reality, but it does not make that reality come about. If someone has not died spiritually and risen with Jesus, all the baptisms in the world will not accomplish it for them. Our Water baptism indicates that we have accepted Christ Jesus as our Lord and Savior, and we have said to the world, from this point on, I am going to turn my back on the world and its ways and turn my life over to Christ.
The believers and followers of Christ have been given the authority from God to live a Christian life based on the finished work of Jesus on the Cross of Calvary. It is not to say that every Christian will live out these truths in reality, but that God has given them the means and tools to do just that. We can decide for ourselves if we want to apply these truths of the Gospel to our life or not. We will never reach the total completeness of our sanctification, our spiritual growth in this life, that will happen when we stand face to face with our Savior, on one glorious day. However, those that consistently strive to apply the truth of these principles and standards will experience spiritual growth and know a sweeter and sweeter walk with Christ as every day passes.
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