Baptism and union with Christ in his death and resurrection (Romans 6:3–5)

Implies Believers are united with Christ in his death and resurrection. Paul states that "we have been united with Him like this in His death" (6:5, BSB) and that "if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with Him" (6:8, BSB); compare Gal 2:20 and Col 2:12. Whatever view is taken of the rite, this union is the point of 6:3–5 (note.language.Rom.6.3-Rom.6.5.baptizo-symphytoi).

Uncertain Whether 6:3–4 has the water rite chiefly in view or Spirit baptism and union, and how the rite relates to what it signifies. For the rite: διὰ τοῦ βαπτίσματος, the burial picture, and Col 2:12. For Spirit baptism and union: εἰς Χριστόν as in Gal 3:27 and 1 Cor 12:13, and 6:5 restating the point as union. This commentary takes no lean on this question or on the mode or subjects of baptism, and nothing about mode or subjects is drawn from βαπτίζω (lex.G907). The main views follow, by reference.

Reformed. The Westminster Confession calls baptism a sign and seal of the covenant of grace and of ingrafting into Christ, says that dipping is not necessary and that pouring or sprinkling is right, gives it to the infants of believers, holds that its grace is not so tied to the rite that all the baptized are regenerate, and holds that by its right use the grace promised is really conferred by the Holy Spirit, in God's appointed time, on those to whom it belongs (src.wcf-1646). Its grounds include the parallel with circumcision (Col 2:11–12; Rom 4:11; note.exegetical.Rom.4.9-Rom.4.12.before-circumcision).

Baptist. The Second London Baptist Confession calls baptism a sign of fellowship with Christ in his death and resurrection and of being engrafted into him, citing Rom 6:3–5, Col 2:12, and Gal 3:27. It holds that only those who profess repentance and faith are proper subjects and that immersion is necessary to its due administration (src.2lbc-1677). Its grounds include baptism following a profession of faith (its proof texts Mark 16:16 and Acts 8:36–37) and the burial picture of 6:4.

Lutheran. The Augsburg Confession teaches that baptism is necessary to salvation, that God's grace is offered through it, and that children are to be baptized (src.augsburg-confession-schaff). Luther's Small Catechism says that baptism works forgiveness of sins and gives salvation to all who believe, through the word joined to the water and received by faith, citing Mark 16:16 and Titus 3:5, and reads Rom 6:4 of the old Adam drowned by daily repentance (src.luther-small-catechism-schaff).

Roman Catholic. The Council of Trent's decree on the sacraments presents them as the means by which righteousness begins, grows, or is restored. Its canons on baptism hold that true water is required (citing John 3:5), that baptism is necessary for salvation, and that infants are to be baptized (src.trent-session7-schaff).

Other readings. The Lutheran and Roman Catholic views both hold, in different forms, that the new birth is given through baptism (baptismal regeneration). That view is described here by reference and is not the team's view. Whether the mystery cults shaped Paul's language is treated in note.historical.Rom.6.1-Rom.6.23.baptism-background.