Buried with Christ in Baptism Colossians 2:12

As Paul the apostle presented the truth about Jesus Christ to the Colossians, he also refuted the false-teachings of both the Gnostics and the Judaizers. Paul declared that in Jesus was “all the fullness of the Godhead bodily” and that we are “complete in Him, which is the head of all principalities and power.” Because of this there was no longer a need for the outward circumcision of the flesh because Jesus did the work spiritually, and His work “put off the works of the flesh” by doing so. In chapter two and verse twelve of his letter, Paul wrote of the being “buried” in “baptism” and “risen” through God's operation. We read:

Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him

through the faith of the operation of God, who has raised him from the dead.

The verse begins, “Buried with him in baptism,” As an addition to the completeness of the work done by Jesus for salvation, Paul referenced the spiritual practice of “baptism” which is the Greek word “baptisma” and means “immersion or submersion”. Paul says they were “buried with him” or “buried together with him” “in baptism”, and like as Jesus was buried in the tomb for three days after His death on the cross, the Colossian believers were spiritually “buried” with Him as well.

The verse goes on to say, “...wherein also you are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God,”. Though the Colossian church members were buried with Christ in baptism, they did not stay there. Paul said, “wherein also you are risen with him” which means “to raise together, to cause to raise together, to raise up together from mortal death to a new and blessed life dedicated to God”. As Jesus rose from the grave, the Colossians believers were “raised up together” spiritually with Him, and this was “through the faith of the operation” or “working, efficiency and superhuman” power “of God”.

Finally the verse says, “who has raised him from the dead.” As an identifying factor, Paul adds that it was God who raised Jesus “from the dead” which refers to when God raised Jesus from the grave three days after His death on the cross, and when He did so, He made provision for the raising of the Colossians and all other believers with Him.

When we imagine ourselves being the Colossians who received this letter from Paul, we may be able to sense the relief that was coming over them. The Gnostics were telling them that Jesus was not deity, and the Judaizers were telling them they had to obey the law of Moses in order to be saved. As Paul lays the truth before them, they must have began to identify with the provision that was made through the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. We too benefit from that which God has done, and as we realize His wonderful gifts, we, as the church members in Colosse, should be shouting and singing “Glory to God in the Highest”. Great things He has done!

Next time Paul continues by telling the Colossians how they were once dead but are now alive, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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