Colossians 2:12 is about the spiritual union believers have with Christ through baptism, symbolizing the burial of their old self and resurrection to a new life.
12 having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.
Setting the Scene for Colossians 2:12
In Colossians chapter 2, the scene unfolds in a small, dimly lit room in the city of Colossae. The room is filled with a diverse group of individuals gathered for a bible study session. Among them are Lydia, a wealthy merchant from Thyatira who had recently converted to Christianity, and Epaphras, a local pastor who had traveled from nearby Laodicea to strengthen the faith of the new believers in Colossae.
The group had come together to study the teachings of the apostle Paul, particularly focusing on the significance of baptism as a symbol of their faith in Christ. As they sat on simple wooden benches, the flickering light of oil lamps cast shadows on the walls, creating an atmosphere of reverence and contemplation. Epaphras, with his gentle demeanor and deep knowledge of scripture, led the discussion, guiding the group through the profound truths found in Paul’s letter to the Colossians.
As they delved into the depths of Paul’s words, the room was filled with a sense of unity and spiritual fervor, as each person present sought to grow in their understanding of the gospel and its implications for their lives. The scene in Colossians 2:12 captures a moment of profound spiritual significance, as these early Christians grappled with the mysteries of their faith and the transformative power of Christ’s love.
What is Colossians 2:12 about?
This verse from Colossians speaks to the powerful symbolism behind the act of baptism. When we are baptized, we are immersed in water, symbolizing our old selves being buried with Christ. Our old selves are buried in the water, and we are raised up to new life with Him, just as Jesus was buried in the tomb and rose again. This act of baptism signifies a spiritual rebirth, a cleansing of our sins, and a new beginning in our faith journey.
Through the power of God and our faith in Him, we are united with Christ in His death and resurrection. Baptism is not just a ritual or tradition, but a holy sacrament that symbolizes our salvation and transformation in Christ. It is a public declaration of our faith and a commitment to follow Jesus as our Lord and Savior. When we are buried with Him in baptism and raised with Him through faith, we are affirming our identity as children of God and our unity with Christ in His eternal victory over sin and death. Reflect on the depth of this symbolism and consider the profound impact of being united with Christ through the sacrament of baptism.
Understanding what Colossians 2:12 really means
To offer a comprehensive commentary on Colossians 2:12, we will follow a structured approach that includes an introduction, a breakdown of key phrases, related scripture references, relevance to contemporary life, and a concluding thought. This verse is rich in theological significance and offers profound insights for believers today.
Introduction:
Colossians 2:12 speaks about the transformative experience of baptism and our identification with Christ through His death and resurrection. This verse is a cornerstone in understanding the spiritual reality that baptism signifies for believers. It encapsulates the essence of dying to the old self and rising to a new life in Christ.
Key Phrases Breakdown:
– “Having been buried with him in baptism”: This phrase points to the symbolic act of baptism, which signifies being buried with Christ. It means that our old sinful nature is put to death. Romans 6:4 echoes this idea, saying, “We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.” Reflect on the profound symbolism of burial—it’s a final act, signifying the end of our former way of living. Your faith in the working of God raised you with him. We too are raised to a new life just as Christ was raised from the dead. This resurrection is not through our own efforts but through faith in God’s mighty power. Ephesians 2:8-9 reinforces this by stating, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” This underscores the grace and power of God at work in our lives.
Related Scripture References:
Other passages that shed light on this verse include Galatians 3:27, which says, “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” This highlights the new identity we receive. Additionally, 1 Peter 3:21 explains that baptism is not just a physical act but a pledge of a clear conscience toward God, emphasizing the internal transformation that accompanies it. This verse reminds us of our true identity in Christ in today’s fast-paced world, where identity and purpose are often sought in transient things. Baptism is not merely a ritual but a declaration of our new life and allegiance to Jesus. It calls us to live differently, reflecting the transformation that has taken place within us. John, a man who struggled with addiction for many years, is the subject of the story. When he decided to follow Christ and was baptized, he described the experience as being “buried” with his old life and “raised” to a new beginning. Though the journey was challenging, his faith in God’s transformative power helped him overcome his past. John’s story illustrates how the truths in this verse play out in real life, offering hope and new beginnings.
Conclusion:
Colossians 2:12 is a powerful reminder of the spiritual realities of baptism and the new life we are called to live in Christ. It challenges us to reflect on our own faith journey and consider how we can better align our lives with the transformative power of the Gospel. Meditating on this verse may encourage us to live out our new identity with faith and conviction. What areas of your life need to experience the ‘burial’ of the old self and the ‘resurrection’ to new life in Christ as you reflect on this verse? How can you live out this transformative power in your daily actions and decisions?
How can we die to sin and be raised to new life with Christ?
We can die to sin and be raised to new life with Christ through baptism. When we are baptized, it symbolizes being buried with Christ in his death, where our old self is crucified with him. We too can walk in newness of life after being raised through faith in the power of God, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father. Through baptism, we participate in Christ’s death and resurrection, allowing us to leave our old sinful ways behind and live a new life in Him.
Baptism is a powerful and symbolic act that signifies a transformation in our lives. It represents our acceptance of Christ’s sacrifice for our sins and our commitment to follow Him. We publicly declare our faith in Christ, our desire to be cleansed of our sins, and our intention to live in obedience to Him by going through the waters of baptism. Baptism marks the beginning of a new spiritual journey where we are united with Christ in his death and resurrection, enabling us to live a life that is pleasing to God.
Application
Think of baptism like rebooting your life—a fresh start. Just like updating your work tools, it’s time to upgrade your spirit by embracing faith in Christ. Leave the outdated habits behind and step into this new way of living. Are you ready to fully commit and let this transformation shine through in every part of your life?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.