Faith & Reason Nexus

Christ’s Sacrifice

• Christ Died on the Cross: Jesus’ death on the cross was the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of humanity. It fulfilled the requirement of atonement and was the means by which reconciliation with God was made possible.
• Christ Was Buried in the Tomb of Joseph of Arimathea: After His death, Jesus was placed in a tomb belonging to Joseph of Arimathea. This marked the physical separation from the world and was the final step before His resurrection.
• Christ Was Resurrected Early on Sunday Morning: On the third day after His death, Jesus rose from the dead, defeating death and sin, providing the hope of eternal life for all believers.

Romans 6:3-5

“Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection.”
— Romans 6:3-5

Obedience Today

In rendering obedience to the Gospel, spiritually speaking, believers emulate the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ through the act of baptism.

1. One Dies to Sin Through Repentance:
   • The death to sin begins with repentance, where the individual turns away from sin and seeks forgiveness.
2. One is Buried (Immersed) with Christ in Baptism:
   • Baptism symbolizes the burial of the old sinful self. It is an immersion in water, symbolizing the death and burial of Christ. As one is baptized, they are spiritually buried with Christ.
3. One Rises from the Watery Grave to Walk in Newness of Life:
   • After baptism, the believer rises from the water, symbolizing Christ’s resurrection. This represents the beginning of a new life, free from sin, empowered to live righteously in Christ.

Note:

One must be buried with Christ (in baptism) in order to be raised with Him to walk in newness of life. Baptism is the key action that connects the believer to the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, making it an essential part of the Christian journey toward salvation.