3 As many as have been baptized into Jesus Christ have
been baptized into his death - In baptism we, through faith, are ingrafted
into Christ; and we draw new spiritual life from this new root, through
his Spirit, who fashions us like unto him, and particularly with regard
to his death and resurrection.
4 We are buried with him - Alluding to the ancient manner of baptizing
by immersion. That as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory - Glorious
power. Of the Father, so we also, by the same power, should rise again;
and as he lives a new life in heaven, so we should walk in newness of life.
This, says the apostle, our very baptism represents to us.
5 For - Surely these two must go together; so that if we are indeed
made conformable to his death, we shall also know the power of his resurrection.
6 Our old man - Coeval with our being, and as old as the fall;
our evil nature; a strong and beautiful expression for that entire depravity
and corruption which by nature spreads itself over the whole man, leaving
no part uninfected. This in a believer is crucified with Christ, mortified,
gradually killed, by virtue of our union with him. That the body of sin
- All evil tempers, words, and actions, which are the "members" of the
"old man," Col 3:5, might be destroyed.
7 For he that is dead - With Christ. Is freed from the guilt of
past, and from the power of present, sin, as dead men from the commands
of their former masters.
8 Dead with Christ - Conformed to his death, by dying to sin.
10 He died to sin - To atone for and abolish it. He liveth unto
God - A glorious eternal life, such as we shall live also.
