Romans 6:1-14 | Dead. Buried. Risen. | Baptism | Pastor Zach Lamberson

This sermon on Romans 6:1–14 explains the meaning of baptism through the theme “Dead. Buried. Risen.” Baptism is presented not merely as a religious ritual or symbolic washing, but as a public identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The Greek word for baptism means “to immerse,” illustrating a believer’s complete identification with Christ and obedience to His command. Paul begins by rejecting the idea that Christians should continue sinning so that God’s grace may increase. Grace is God’s free gift, purchased at the cost of Christ’s sacrifice, and should never be treated cheaply. Rather than encouraging sin, grace calls believers to a transformed life. Baptism symbolizes this transformation. When a person comes to faith, they acknowledge their sin, trust in Christ’s forgiveness, and declare that their old life is dead. Going under the water represents burial; rising from it represents new life in Christ. The sermon emphasizes that Christians are no longer slaves to sin. Through Christ’s death and resurrection, the power of sin has been broken. Believers are called to “reckon” themselves dead to sin and alive to God, living according to their new identity rather than their old nature. Baptism publicly declares this reality. The message concludes by comparing baptism to a wedding ring or the consummation of a marriage. Salvation comes through faith alone, but baptism is the outward expression of an inward commitment. It is a believer’s public declaration that they belong to Christ and intend to walk in the freedom and new life He provides.