Scripture identifies several ways to die
“unnaturally”, such as drowning, stoning, hanging, crucifixion, beheading, by
the sword (i.e., in war), and by murder/manslaughter. And there were several ways of getting rid
of the body—burial in the earth, sealing up in a cave, burial at sea, and
cremating.
Both Old and New Testament writers put the
believer in some of these positions. For instance, Paul says, “I have been
crucified with Christ.” (Gal.2:20). And, “our old self was crucified with him.”
(Rom.6:6). In Rom.6:4, he says, “We were therefore buried
with him...” Heb.13:11 indicates that, for sacrifices, “the bodies are burned
outside the camp.” As far as the sailors were concerned, Jonah was a dead man
never to be seen again, once they threw him into the sea. (Jonah 1:13-16).
So, partly as an
academic exercise, what are some of the means that could have been used to show
association with Christ in His death? Possibilities might include tying to a
cross (and releasing), sealing up in a cave (and releasing), simulated stoning,
simulated burning, and submersion in water (and releasing).
In fact, many years ago a missionary from
Africa stood at the pulpit in Shoreacres and told us of some believers in the
heart of the Sahara who wanted to be baptized. There was no way they could get
together enough water to cover a person so they chose an alternative—they got a
coffin. As each believer lay down in that coffin, the lid was closed over them.
They were as good as dead. Then the cover was opened and they were raised “to
walk in newness of life.”
Out of all these
possibilities, the Holy Spirit has chosen baptism—submersion in water—as our
way to identify with Jesus. See Acts 8:36, 9:18, 10:47, 16:33, 18:8, etc. It
says in clearest picture form, “I DIED WITH CHRIST.” It doesn’t get any
stronger than that! As Christians, we are dead to the world and to sin. If we have
really made this commitment, let’s pull
ourselves together—with God’s help we can resist those calls from sin and
the devil. Jesus has something far better to offer:—
“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power
through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts
through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may
have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and
long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that
surpasses knowledge.” Ephesians 3:16-19.
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise.”
Ephesians 5:15.
