“Buried with Christ, Raise to New Life”
SERMON Title: Buried with Christ, Raise to New Life
SCRIPTURE: Romans 6:3–11 ESV
Introduction
Today is a day of celebration—one that stands at the very heart of the Christian life. We are not gathered for tradition or routine, but because something history-altering and eternally significant has happened: the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Because of Jesus’ resurrection, everything changed.
The stone was rolled away—not just from a tomb, but from despair.
The curse of sin was broken.
Death lost its sting.
A new creation began—for all who are in Him.
Without the resurrection, the Christian faith would be empty, our preaching meaningless, and our hope in vain. But Jesus rose—bodily, historically, victoriously—and now we have a living Savior, a reigning King, and a secure future. Today, we not only remember this moment in history—we celebrate what it means for us now.
The resurrection is not just good news for Jesus; it is good news for us. It declares that sin and death no longer have the final word. Because Christ is alive, we too can live—with a new identity, new power, and unshakable hope.
This truth is beautifully revealed in baptism. Baptism is not just a ritual or symbolic gesture—it is a declaration that the resurrection life of Jesus now lives in us. Just as Jesus died, was buried, and rose again, so too do believers proclaim through baptism that they have died with Christ and now walk in newness of life.
Baptism, then, is an Easter act. It embodies the miracle of dying with Christ and rising into resurrection life.
This brings us to Romans 6:3–11, where the Apostle Paul reveals the deep connection between baptism and the resurrection. Through it, we see the transforming power of Easter at work in the lives of all who belong to Jesus.
In today’s passage, we discover three profound truths about being united with Christ in His death and resurrection through baptism.
I. Through Our Baptism, the Resurrection Becomes Our Story
Paul opens with a powerful reminder:
Romans 6:3–4 – “Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.”
Paul is telling the church to recognize the new spiritual reality in Christ.
Jesus died—and if we are in Him, we died with Him.
Jesus was buried—and in baptism, we were buried with Him.
Jesus rose again—and we rise with Him to a new life.
This is not just symbolism. Baptism marks a transformation where the old self, defined by sin and shame, is crucified with Christ. As Jesus rose from the dead, we are raised as new creations. Through baptism, the resurrection becomes our personal story.
II. What Baptism Proclaims
Baptism is not only an act of obedience but a public declaration of three gospel truths:
1. In Baptism, We Proclaim We Are United with Christ
Romans 6:5 – “For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.”
The word “united” here implies a deep, organic connection, like grafting a branch into a vine. We are not merely followers of Christ—we are one with Him.
His death becomes our death.
His life becomes our life.
His victory becomes our victory.
As Paul writes in Galatians 2:20, “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” Christ lives in us, and we draw life and purpose from Him. Baptism reveals this union—an outward expression of the inward reality that we are new creations in Christ.
2. In Baptism, We Proclaim That Sin No Longer Has Power Over Us
Romans 6:6 – “We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.”
Baptism is a declaration of freedom. We are not just forgiven—we are freed. Though we may still struggle with sin, it no longer rules over us.
Sin may tempt us, but it doesn’t define us.
We are no longer under guilt and condemnation—we are under grace.
Our new Master is Christ—who brings mercy and life. We now resist sin not to earn God’s favor, but because we already have it. In the resurrection power of Jesus, we are victorious.
3. In Baptism, We Proclaim That We Now Live Unto God
Romans 6:10–11 – “For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.”
Being alive to God changes everything. It’s not just about better behavior, but a new identity and purpose.
To live for Christ means He becomes our purpose.
To live with Christ means we are never alone; His Spirit is with us.
To live in Christ means our identity is found in Him. As Colossians 3:3 says, “Your life is hidden with Christ in God.”
Eternal life doesn’t begin when we die—it begins the moment we are united with the Risen Christ. Baptism marks that turning point: not the end of a life, but the beginning of new life.
Someone once said, “The tomb of Jesus became the womb of our new creation.” The waters of baptism are like a tomb, burying the old self, and like a womb, bringing forth a new life in Christ.
Conclusion
The truth of Easter is not just history—it is our reality.
Because Jesus lives, we now live for Him, with Him, and in Him.
If you’ve already been baptized—remember the meaning of it. You were buried with Christ and raised with Him. So walk in that new life.
If you haven’t been baptized—consider what it truly means. This is not just a ritual—it’s a resurrection. Jesus invites you to die to sin and live a new life in Him. Resurrection is not just a story—it can be your story.