I have been extremely busy today and I have not done enough to give Romans 6:5 a fair exposition. I will give it a try anyhow.
ει COND γαρ CONJ συμφυτοι A-NPM γεγοναμεν V-2RAI-1P τω T-DSN ομοιωματι N-DSN του T-GSM θανατου N-GSM αυτου P-GSM
For if we have been united with him in the likeness of his death
....................................αλλα CONJ και CONJ της T-GSF αναστασεως N-
................................................GSF εσομεθα V-FXI-1P
....................................in the same way also we shall be united in
....................................the likeness of his resurrection
V.5 expounds what has already been discussed in v.4. It comes in a conditional sentence with an if, followed by a then, though not used here is implied.
This verse to me emphasises the completeness of the work of Christ that we are a part of as believers. If we are united with him in his death, so shall we be united with him in resurrection. There is no salvation without death and there is not salvation without resurrection.
What intrigue me about this verse though is the presence of the word ομοιωματι, in the likeness. Why does Paul now talk about being united with him in the likeness of his death when in v.3 he was talking about being buried with him into death.
Another interesting point is the usage of the future tense, εσομεθα, will be, in the participation of his resurrection.
More tomorrow.
Maeghan
Hi Maeghan,
ReplyDeleteI read that the root meaning of the Greek word baptizo is to dip, soak or immerse into a liquid so that what is being dipped takes on the qualities of what it has been dipped in to. This is why being immersed into the Messiah(v.3) is equated with being united with Him(v.5).
I thought that was very interesting.
Julia,
ReplyDeleteIndeed - how amazing is our God. And how much more do we need to remind ourselves that we are already immersed in him, united with him ...