Romans 6. Baptism

1.    Review Romans 6:1–13 and answer the following questions in writing: 

o       What must be done with sin before baptism can occur? Sin must be "destroyed" before baptism occurs. Verse 6 says that our old lifestyles are crucified with Christ; as we are lowered into the pure water, our sins are "washed" away, off our mortal bodies. The JST for Romans 6:7 says, " For he that is dead to sin is freed from sin." 

o       What events from Christ’s life are symbolized in baptism? Christ's crucifixion as well as his Resurrection are symbolized. Our sins are crucified with Christ as we are baptized, and we "are risen again" as we come out of the water; born again. 

o       Considering this symbolism, why couldn’t someone be baptized by sprinkling? If we only sprinkled the water, we wouldn't be fully representing the "full cleansing of our sins."

o       What do these verses teach us about how we can maintain the “newness of life”? As we all have weaknesses, it is important for us to not give into the sins that involve our weaknesses. Rather, give in to God's Commandments. It is important to stay faithful to our covenants after we are baptized. 

o       According to Mosiah 3:19, what part of us would ideally die at baptism? The "natural man" in us dies at baptism. We have a new state of mind of knowing the difference between what is right and wrong, and acting upon it. 

2.    Study Romans 6:14–23. Write a paragraph that describes how we know whose servant we are. Then write a statement identifying the true source of freedom.

Do we have license to sin and not worry about "works" anymore because of "grace"? Absolutely not!If we yield to sin, we are sin's servants, but if we yield to God, we are His servants. We must thank God that we are not servants of sin, but that we have the blessing to be a servant of Him. Because we accept to become baptized, our next step is to remain faithful and grow towards exaltation.