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"Baptized into Christ..."

Text: Galatians 3:27

THE SIGN OF THE ABRAHAMIC COVENANT

God gave a special sign to Abraham that would confirm the validity of His covenant with him and his descendants. That sign was known as “circumcision” (Genesis 17).

1. This was clearly stated as “a sign of the covenant” (Genesis 17:11).

2. This sign established the covenant between God and the descendants of Abraham (Genesis 17:7)

THE SIGN OF THE NEW COVENANT AS SONS OF GOD

What was the sign of the new covenant relationship between God and those who have faith in Christ?

For as many of you as were baptized into Christ
have put on Christ.

Galatians 3:27

1. Baptism

a) There is “spiritual baptism”.

b) There is also “water baptism”.

c) The latter formally expresses the reality of faith in Christ.

2. “Baptized into Christ”

a) This is full identification with Christ.

b) There must be a genuine faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and His redemptive work.

c) Christ in turn gives us the right to be called “children of God” (John 1:12).

d) When one has such a genuine salvation in Christ he is said to have been “baptized into Christ”.

e) Baptism is therefore not a mere ritual to be observed.

3. “Have put on Christ”

a) There is a change of imagery in this particular text.

b) This phrase describes a person who has received and put on the royal robes of Christ.

c) Paul describes this as the “new man” created (Colossians 3:10; Ephesians 4:24).

d) This is a reference to the new nature God gives to every believer.

e) This new nature comes when one is truly “born again” (John 3:3).

f) This new nature is capable of living in righteousness.

g) The Holy Spirit enables the believer to live for Christ meaningfully.

h) The sons of God are empowered so that they may display the work of salvation that Christ has wrought for those who are justified by faith.