What baptism is Paul speaking of in Romans 6?
In Romans 6, Paul is speaking of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, not water baptism. Water baptism cannot produce the identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection or the newness of life Paul describes. Only God’s power gives new life, and this Spirit baptism is the one Paul references in 1 Corinthians 12.
Les explains that Romans 6:4 says, “Therefore, we are buried with Him by baptism into death.” He is convinced this is not a water baptism, because water baptism cannot do what Paul is talking about: 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. No baptism can give new life; only the power of God can do that. Les therefore identifies this as the baptism of the Holy Spirit that Paul speaks of in 1 Corinthians chapter 12. He also relates it to Israel being separated from Egypt and going through the typical burial of the Red Sea, even though they did not get wet—in type, their death to Egypt and burial—and coming out on the other side, even as Christ came from the grave, and we too.
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.
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.