In Romans 6, we find the source to these familiar words. Romans 6:4 declares, “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.” Once we have received the cleansing atonement of Christ, we are forever dead to our sin and alive in His presence and His person. We are truly new creatures. Baptism symbolizes your new relationship with Christ.

But let us not overlook the great truth found here. We too have taken part in Christ’s death, burial and resurrection. First, we have died to our old lives and sinful habits. Verse 6 tells us that our old man has been crucified. Death is the ultimate act of separation. That is what our new life demands of us – a complete separation from our past.

Second, we are “buried with Him by baptism into death.” The act of Baptism ought to symbolize the burial of our Lord. This is why one is immersed rather than sprinkled. Immersion shows us this truth, while sprinkling does not correctly portray what is meant by this act. Baptism is what places one in the body of Christ, otherwise known as the church. It is through the church that our Lord works and moves. He is the head of His church. How can one have any sort of life without a head? It is in the local church that the Christian life thrives.

Third, we take part in the Lord’s resurrection. Death has been defeated and a new life has been given to all those who come to Him. Death has died and no longer should reign in our mortal bodies. Instead, we are free indeed. We are not free to do what we were always intended to do, serve our Master.