Raised to a New Life
Bible Study

God sanctifies his people through the Means of Grace. By the gospel in Word and Sacrament, the Spirit graciously sets his people apart and gives them a new life. This Bible study takes us to a chapter of Scripture that speaks most powerfully and beautifully of the Lord’s sanctifying work in Holy Baptism. May the Lord grant us an ever-increasing appreciation for the blessings he bestows through this sacrament of initiation!

Read Romans 6:1-14

1. Use verses 1-4 to answer the person who says, “Baptism is an outward ceremony reflective of an inner obedience and commitment.”

Holy Baptism is not a sacrifice (something man does for God). It is a sacrament (something God does for man). Baptism isn’t just an outward ceremony. It actually accomplishes great things. These verses point out that Holy Baptism unites us with Christ Jesus in his death and resurrection. Everything he won at Calvary he gives to the baptized. In Baptism, the Lord puts us to death and raises us to life. The early church fathers referred to the Sacrament as both tomb and womb. Nowhere in these verses does it say that the sacrament merely pictures these things. Additionally, the passive verbs indicate that God is the actor and we are the recipients of his grace.

2. The last phrase of verse 4 might be more literally translated, “so also we might walk around in newness of life.” In what sense do the baptized children of God “walk around in newness of life”?

The baptized children of God do not enjoy the benefits of Baptism only in certain places or at certain times, but wherever they walk. Instead of walking in the old way of the flesh, following only the dictates of the sinful flesh and the devil, the children of God submit to the Lord. They have the ability and desire to do what God desires. They live in an entirely new way, focused on glorifying God and serving others instead of self.

3. How do verses 6 and 7 remind us that Baptism is not just part of the Christian’s past, but of his present and future?

In Baptism, the old self was destroyed. It was “done away with” or “rendered powerless.” The sinful flesh no longer has control of the child of God. It may act like it does, but it has no real authority and can be resisted. The one who has been declared righteous through faith is free from both the guilt and power of sin. The sin that I commit tomorrow has already been forgiven by faith in Christ; the temptation I will face tomorrow I have the God-given strength to resist.