Galatians 3:27 Those who have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female: for you are all one in Christ Jesus.
What causes us to put on Christ? Here, the passage says it is accomplished by an outside act. It is something done to us. It is done because we were baptized into Christ. That too is something done to us. We didn't do it. Verse 28 says it also results in unity in Christ.
This is also presented in I Corinthians.
12:13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether we be slaves or free; and we all have been made to drink into one Spirit.
This baptism is an act of the Spirit. He is the agent by which we were baptized into one body. As in the Galatians passage, unity is the result.
I Corinthians 10:2 And they were all baptized into Moses by the cloud and by the sea
Paul uses an example to some of the believers at Corinth. Israel followed Moses in the wilderness. They were baptized into Moses by means of both the cloud and the sea. Here we have inanimate objects as the agent of their baptism. This is one passage which shows the idea of identification. They were joined in union or association with Moses.
Luke 12:50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I afflicted till it be accomplished!
Here Christ speaks of his upcoming death. Christ was facing his physical death by crucifixion. He is going to be joined in association with death.
Mark 7:3 For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands often, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders. 4 And when they come from the market, except they baptize, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the baptism of cups, and pots, bronze vessels, and of tables.
This passage describes the traditions of not only the Pharisees, but also of the Jews in general. They baptize their hands as well as their kitchen vessels and utensils. It is an act of washing by association with water, which is understood.
How does this fit in with the Galatians and Corinthians passages?
The word baptism or baptize can be used to refer to physical things or beings. It is also used in a figurative manner. In and of itself, it has a meaning of identification or association.
If we interpret Galatains 3:27 and I Corinthians 12:13 as a physical water ceremony, we are left with only sacramentalism.
Galatians 3:27 those who have been joined in union and identification with Christ have put on Christ.
The same thoughts apply to the passage in Romans 6:3-4.
Acts 9:17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.
18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
*** Saul was filled with the Holy Ghost [spiritual ] and then was "Baptized" [ water ]...1st "Spirit" then "Water"... Amazing!!!!
1 Cor 1:13 Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?
14 I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;
15 Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name.
16 And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.
*** Saul after his conversion and Baptism now Paul "Baptized"... Double Amazing !!!
