1/7/19

Mark 10:38-39

³⁸ Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?” ³⁹ And they said to him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you will drink, and with the baptism with which I am baptized, you will be baptized,

Baptism in these verses cannot be immersion in water or immersion of any kind. That which fits best as a synonym is union.

Christ’s statement is aimed at identity, His suffering and service. “Can you be united with me in my service and suffering?" The men's agreement to this baptism or being united with Christ in His activity receives His agreement. They would truly have a like experience to His. They would serve and suffer unto death as He did.

If this same understanding of baptism is seen in Romans 6, it gives a sensible and a good theological understanding of the context. For all believers are united with Christ in His death as He is our substitute.  We are also united to Him in His burial and His resurrection.  Therefore we are freed by His death, and by His death our death also from the bondage of sin.

No prevailing sin can have the mastery over you when it is faced with the life you have through the resurrection of Christ and you.