What does baptism do?

“Together”

There are about 40 Greek words which have a prefix attached to them that means “together.” More than half of those are used only by the apostle Paul. “Together” means “with one another; in association or companionship.” Here are half of those words…

At one time, we were all “together” under the prison warden called Sin – Galatians 3:22. It is dangerous to compare “ourselves” with one another – 2 Cor. 10:12. Christ is the standard!

Through obedience to the gospel and, specifically, in baptism, we are united “together” with Christ. In baptism we are “buried with” Him (Romans 6:4). Baptism also “unites us together” with Him in the likeness of His death (Rom. 6:5). We have been “crucified with Him” (Rom. 6:6). We then “live with” Him (Rom. 6:8). Union with Christ “makes us alive together” (Eph. 2:5; Col. 2:13).

Paul called on Timothy to “suffer together” with him as a soldier of the cross, for the sake of the gospel (2 Tim. 2:3; 1:8). He called on the Philippians to “share with” him in his afflictions (4:14; cf. 1:7). In fact, when we share the gospel with others, we become “fellow partakers” of it – 1 Cor. 9:23. Paul also “rejoiced with” his fellow Christians (Phil. 2:17-18) and writes that we all “rejoice with” one another (1 Cor. 12:26).

Therefore growing awareness has constituted many alcohol rehabilitation centers around the world with support of helping hands through common people. orden 50mg viagra is composed of such ingredients that only work with the erectile issue. One of the most have a peek at this website sildenafil viagra de pfizer popular products for sexual health problems of men. It is more convenient as on has not to intake it, it has to be just applied and get order viagra cheap result within five minutes. Whenever I foam roll this region I feel a pain sensation which shoots down to my tiny finger. click this pharmacy shop viagra in australia Christians are to “die together” and “live together” – 2 Cor. 7:3. We are also “true companions” (the KJV is more literal – “true yokefellow”) with one another (Phil. 4:3). Christ “holds us together” as ligaments hold together bone to bone (Eph. 4:16; Col. 2:19). Christians’ hearts are to be “knit together” in love (Col. 2:2). Paul calls us to “join in following” his example (Phil. 3:17).

When we are “together” with Christ, we are also “together” with one another. God has “so composed” the body, the church, to be together (1 Cor. 12:24). We are also “fellow heirs” of Christ (Rom. 8:17). Jews and Gentiles are “partakers” together in the olive tree of Christ (Rom. 11:17). In fact, in Ephesians 3:6, Paul says the two groups are “fellow heirs,” “fellow members,” and “fellow partakers.”

This association with Christ allows us to sit with Him (now) in heavenly places – Ephesians 2:6. That is likely the idea behind Paul’s words from 1 Timothy 2:12 that we will “reign with” Him. We may also be granted the “fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death” (Phil. 3:10). Living our lives with Christ, we’ll be “conformed” to the image of Christ (Rom. 8:29; Phil. 3:21).

There is no “togetherness” (“agreement”) between the temple of God and idols – 2 Cor. 6:16. Paul told the Ephesian Christians not to “participate” in the unfruitful deeds of darkness (5:11).

–Paul Holland

This entry was posted in Uncategorized. Bookmark the permalink.