Read Romans 6:1-14

“We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead… we too might walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:4)

Baptism is one of the clearest pictures of what Paul is teaching in Romans 6. Going under the water joins us in the grace of Christ’s burial—our old life laid to rest. Coming up out of the water represents resurrection—our new life with Christ.

Think about what burial means. When something is buried, it’s finished. It’s not coming back. In the same way, your old life, marked by sin and rebellion, has been buried with Christ. That’s not just poetic language—it’s a spiritual reality.

But burial isn’t the end of the story. Just as Jesus was raised from the dead, we are raised with Him to walk in newness of life. Christianity is not just about what we’re saved from but what we’re saved for. God doesn’t leave us in the graveyard of guilt—He calls us into resurrection living.

What does newness of life look like? It means our priorities shift. Our desires start to change. The things that used to dominate us lose their hold. New life doesn’t mean perfection overnight, but it does mean transformation over time.

Picture a butterfly. The caterpillar didn’t just improve—it completely changed. The old form is gone. That’s what God does in us. He doesn’t just clean us up; He makes us new.

So here’s the challenge: are you living like your old self is still in charge, or like someone who has been raised to life with Christ? If you’re in Christ, the grave is behind you. Life is ahead.

Reflection Questions:

• How does baptism help you visualize the truths of Romans 6?
  
• In what ways have you seen God begin to change your desires or priorities since following Jesus?
  
• Why do you think it’s hard to let go of the “old self,” even when Christ has set us free?
  
• What does “newness of life” look like for you today?

Journaling Prompt:

Write about a time when you saw God bring “newness of life” into your story—whether in a changed habit, relationship, or mindset.