What does Romans 6:5 mean when it says we have been planted in the likeness of Christ's death?
Being planted in the likeness of Christ's death means believers are placed like seed into the ground, identifying with His death, so that they will certainly also be raised in the likeness of His resurrection. The same resurrection power that raised Christ will bring them up, not as God, but as manifestations of His resurrection power.
Les teaches that Romans 6:5 uses the sowing and planting contrast. Paul says in 1 Corinthians we are sown in corruption, but in Romans 6 we are planted. When a seed is placed in the ground, it comes up like the seed. If we are planted in the likeness of Christ's death, we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection. Just as two kernels of wheat planted side by side come up the same, believers planted together will come up in resurrection power together. Les stresses we never become God, but we become the very manifestation of His resurrection power.
For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
More Questions
What does 'planted together in the likeness of his death' refer to in Romans 6:5?
In Romans 6:5, 'planted together in the likeness of his death' refers to being in the tomb as Jesus was.
What does it mean to be planted together in the likeness of Christ's death?
Being planted together in the likeness of Christ's death means our old Adam has died and must be crucified, identifying us with His death.
What does 'planted' mean in Romans 6:5?
In Romans 6:5, when Paul says believers are 'planted,' he is talking about burial: when the body is placed in the earth in death, it is waiting for the resurrection day.