Clothed in Christ

In Galatians 3:27–29, Paul brings his argument about Abraham, the law, faith, and the promise to a significant conclusion: those who belong to Christ have “put on Christ,” are one in him, and are Abraham’s true offspring and heirs according to promise.

This sermon examines what baptism signifies, why union with Christ, not ethnicity, status, gender, family background, or any other lesser identity, defines the Christian. The New Covenant people of God are constituted through faith in Christ rather than natural descent. It also considers the relationship between baptism and circumcision, the Baptist understanding of covenant membership, and why believers alone should receive the sign of baptism.

If Christ is our defining identity, then everyone who belongs to Christ is truly our family. Christians are therefore called to resist lesser identities that divide us and to give real love, commitment, and attention to the people God has joined us to in the local church.