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Traditional Lens Commentary: Romans 6:1-11

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Traditional Lens Reading of Romans 6:1-11

Tradition-Specific Interpretation

We read Romans 6:1-11 as a powerful declaration of the believer's union with Christ in His death and resurrection. The apostle Paul, under divine inspiration, communicates that through baptism, we are symbolically buried with Christ and raised to walk in newness of life. This passage underscores our identification with Christ's substitutionary atonement; we died to sin with Him and are now alive to God in Christ Jesus. The emphasis is on sanctification as the inevitable outflow of genuine justification by faith.

Key Language Decisions

In the original Greek, the word for 'baptism' (baptisma) is understood not merely as a ritual act but as a profound identification with Christ's death and resurrection. The use of 'united' (symphytoi) in verse 5 highlights our inseparable connection to Christ. The semantic range of 'reckon' (logizomai) in verse 11 underscores the necessity of considering ourselves dead to sin and alive to God, which is foundational for our sanctification.

Where Traditions Diverge

Our tradition diverges from sacramental traditions like Roman Catholicism, which may see baptism as conferring grace ex opere operato. We emphasize baptism as an ordinance, a public declaration of an inward reality, rather than a means of grace itself. Additionally, while some traditions might downplay the forensic nature of justification, we affirm it as a legal declaration of righteousness imputed to the believer.

Pastoral Application

As pastors, we must exhort our congregations to live in the reality of their new identity in Christ. This passage calls us to remember that our old self was crucified with Him, and we are no longer slaves to sin. We must preach the call to sanctification, encouraging believers to walk in the newness of life, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Our congregations should be reminded that their salvation is secured through Christ's work, and their lives should reflect this glorious truth.

Cross-References: Colossians 2:12; Galatians 2:20; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:4-6; 1 Corinthians 15:22

Doctrinal Connections: justification by faith; substitutionary atonement; sanctification; union with Christ; new creation

Topics & Themes

justification by faithsubstitutionary atonementsanctificationunion with Christnew creation

Scripture References

Romans 6:1-11

Best Used In

introductionexpositionapplication

Audience

pastor

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