Romans 6- Baptized in Christ Part 1

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What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore 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. Romans 6:1-4

If you want to understand the meaning of Baptism in Christianity, this teaching by the Apostle Paul is a great text to learn from. I think it’s surprising but the majority of Christianity has a misunderstanding of Baptism, and I know that seems like a pretentious statement, but if you look at the majority view in Christianity its true. The majority of Christianity today still adhere to Paleo Baptism or better known Infant Baptism. The majority of Christian Churches affirm this position, but why? Is it simply tradition or is it really the understanding of scripture?

I would argue the majority of Churches practice Infant Baptism simply out of tradition, giving no real consideration to the scriptural meaning of Baptism. So what is the purpose of Baptism? Why do we even practice it as the Church? Well The Lord Jesus said “Go therefore make disciples of all the nations , baptize them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19) Baptism is a command from our Lord, not only that, Christ was baptized as a model for us to follow (Matthew 3:13-17) So Baptism is a sacrament and a command of the Church to be a Christian

So what is the meaning of Baptism? Lets take a look at the teaching by the Apostle Paul here , first Paul starts talking about Sin and Grace. “Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid” So just because we are sinners saved by grace, doesn’t mean we should continue to live in sin. As the Apostle Paul continues “How should we who have died to sin, live any longer in it?” 

Now as you read this text you should start to realize there is an issue then with Infant Baptism. Does an infant have sin? Again the majority of the Church have adopted a teaching by Augustine which is known as “Original Sin”. Now this teaching basically states you were born a sinner therefore if you died an infant you would go to Hell. Now I know this topic has alot to unpack, but to keep it high level, but to believe an innocent infant would go to Hell because they simply were not dunked by their parents, I think is theologically careless. Now again I understand I’m in the minority of opinion here, but I think we need to be honest with that the text really states and not the tradition of men.

The Apostle Peter also states ““Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” (Acts 2:38) So can an infant also repent of their sins they didn’t even know they committed? Also can an infant profess faith in Jesus Christ as Lord? (Romans 10:9) I think the obvious answer to these questions are No, so why would we baptise an infant as standard practice of the Church?

Next part of this article , we would examine Paul’s teaching of what the symbolism of Baptism in Christ mean, pray for the Holy Spirit’s edification as we work through these texts in Jesus name Amen!

Romans 5- Death Is Defeated

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Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous. Moreover the law entered, that the offence might abound. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound:That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord. Romans 5:18-21

Why is the gospel of Jesus Christ relevant to the entire world? Why does every soul that ever lived need Jesus? Well the simple answer is death, regardless of who you are, where you’re from, what you believe, everyone is under the curse of sin and death. You can try to ignore Christ all you want, you can try to deny you are a sinner, you can convince yourself that God doesn’t even exist, but one day you will take your last breathe and be standing face to face with the Creator of the Universe.

As the Apostle Paul reveals to us , by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, “By the offence of one judgement came upon all men to condemnation” Notice Paul said “upon all men” the entire world. Even if you reject Christ, even if you refuse to believe in God’s existence, you are already under condemnation for your sins. So what is my point? My point is the gospel of Jesus Christ is relevant to you and the entire world. So if you care about the eternal state of your soul, you better listen up!

You might say “That’s not fair” well look at the next part of the statement “righteousness of One the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life” Was if fair Christ had to die for your sins? No, but because of God’s great love and mercy, Christ died for your sins to justify you before God. If life was fair, we would all be thrown into Hell already, but God wants a relationship with you through Christ and the Holy Spirit

How can we be saved? By the grace of God through faith in Christ, as the Apostle Paul states here “where sin abounded, grace did much more abound” Our sins are great, but Gods grace is greater. There is nothing greater than the love of God demonstrated for you on the cross by our Lord Jesus Christ. How can you reject this free gift of grace offered to you? Are you so depraved, that you reject the only means of salvation for your soul? 

I would like to just end with the words of the Apostle Paul “sin has reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord” Death has been defeated at the cross, Jesus Christ reigns as King of Kings, Lord of Lords, the last enemy death has been defeated, Praise The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, Amen!