What baptism is Paul referring to in Romans 6:4?
In Romans 6:4, Paul refers not to water baptism but to the baptism of the Holy Spirit. This baptism identifies believers with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection, enabling them to walk in newness of life—something water baptism cannot do, since only God's power can give new life.
Les explains that Romans 6:4 says we are buried with Him by baptism into death. He is convinced this is not water baptism, because water baptism cannot do what Paul is talking about: that like as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also walk in newness of life. No baptism can give new life; only the power of God can do that. He also illustrates this with Israel's Red Sea crossing, which was a typical burial and death to Egypt, and then identifies this baptism as the baptism of the Holy Spirit that Paul speaks of in 1 Corinthians chapter 12.
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
More Questions
Is the baptism in Romans 6:4 water baptism?
The baptism of Romans 6:4, being "buried with Him by baptism into death," is not water baptism.
Does the baptism in Romans 6:4 mean being baptized into a denomination?
Denominations that baptize with water are baptizing people into a church or denomination, not into death, whereas the baptism in Romans 6:4 is 'into death' and something far different.
Who has been baptized into the body of Christ according to Paul?
Every last believer without exception—Jew or Gentile, bond or free—has been baptized by the one Spirit into the Body of Christ and made to drink of that one Spirit.