Greek Key Terms:
Context: Romans 6:1-14 addresses a potential objection to Paul's gospel of justification by faith alone. If grace increases where sin abounds (Romans 5:20), should we continue in sin to get more grace? Paul's answer is emphatic: "By no means!" (v. 1). The reason: believers have died to sin (v. 2). Verses 3-4 explain how: through union with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection.
Connections:
Christological Connection: Romans 6:3-4 is the NT's fullest exposition of baptism as union with Christ in death and resurrection, fulfilling the Red Sea typology. Israel was "baptized into Moses" (1 Corinthians 10:2) by passing through the Red Sea. This identified them with Moses (new leader) and separated them from Egypt (old life drowned in the sea). Believers are "baptized into Christ" (Romans 6:3) by being spiritually united to Him in His death, burial, and resurrection. This identifies them with Christ (new Lord) and separates them from the old life (old self crucified with Christ, Galatians 2:20). The pattern is identical: passage through water = death to the old, entrance into the new. The escalation: Israel's passage was physical (through literal sea water); believers' passage is spiritual (through union with Christ's death). Israel emerged free from Egyptian slavery; believers emerge free from sin's slavery (Romans 6:6-7). Pharaoh's army was drowned; the old self is crucified (Galatians 5:24). The Red Sea crossing was once-for-all (Israel never returned to Egypt); Christ's death is once-for-all (Hebrews 10:10). Believers' position in Christ is settled—they have died and been raised.
Application: You have died to sin and been raised to new life in Christ. Verse 3-4: "all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death...just as Christ was raised from the dead...we too might walk in newness of life." This is your reality if you are in Christ. The old you is dead (crucified with Christ, Galatians 2:20); the new you is alive (raised with Christ, Colossians 3:1). Are you living according to this reality, or are you living as if the old self is still alive? Reckon yourself dead to sin. Verse 11 (following this passage): "So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus." "Reckon" (λογίζομαι, logizomai) means to count, consider, account—treat as fact. Don't let sin reign (v. 12); you're dead to it. When temptation comes, say, "I'm dead to that. I'm alive to God." Baptism is public testimony of inward reality. Water baptism doesn't save you, but it proclaims your faith. Have you been baptized? If not, obey Christ's command (Matthew 28:19). Baptism declares: "I have died with Christ and been raised with Him. My old life is drowned; my new life has begun." Live out what you professed.
Connection Method(s): Typology (Providential, Backward-Looking); Redemptive-Historical Progression — Romans 6:3-4 is the NT's fullest exposition of baptism as union with Christ in death and resurrection, fulfilling what Israel's Red Sea crossing prefigured: passage through judgment waters separating from the old life (Egypt/sin) into newness of life.
Trajectory Table: 039 - Crossing the Red Sea (Baptism into Christ)