We understand what it means to put on a garment of clothing. We also know that the phrase "to put on" can be used figuratively to mean putting on a certain characteristic like humility or love. The apostle Paul concludes a discussion about no longer being under the Law of Moses but rather now being under faith in Christ Jesus with this truth: "So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" (Gal. 3;26-28), NIV).

Baptism is the way Christians have put on Jesus Christ as their Savior, their Hope, their Mediator, their Advocate their High Priest, and their Fullness of Him, Who fills all in all (i.e. Jesus is the Christian's Everything, Col. 1:19)! Through baptism one who is lost becomes redeemed and regenerated by the working of the water and the Spirit of God. Jesus called it a new birth -- "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God" (Jno. 3:5 NKJV).

It is important to note that Paul used the phrase "into Christ" twice. In this text of Gal. 3:27 and in Rom. 6:3. Both indicate that the child of God is baptized into Christ. The actual act of baptizing one into water after Jesus died on the cross is recorded many times in the Book of Acts, such as: (2:38; 8:12,13, 36-39; 10:47,48; 16:15-33). Paul is reminding Christians that at the time of baptism they enter a relationship or a figurative place in the very Person of Jesus the Christ Who is the Son of God and Savior of the World. So the statement: "clothe yourselves with Christ," has great meaning to the one who was baptized into Christ (Col. 1:13,14).

When we become Christians by faith and baptism we re entering into the body of all who are clothed with Christ. Paul stated clearly: "I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God Who loved me and gave Himself for me" (Gal. 2:20, NKJV).

By Ron Drumm.

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