Sermon Breakdown

1. The sermon begins by introducing Romans 6:3 which states "Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?". Dr. Lloyd-Jones notes that this verse introduces the doctrine of union with Christ which the apostle Paul elaborates on in this passage.

2. Dr. Lloyd-Jones addresses five common interpretations of "baptized" in this verse and explains why each interpretation is inadequate:

3. The sacramental interpretation which views baptism as accomplishing union with Christ. This is rejected because baptism in the New Testament is for those who have already believed, not to accomplish belief.

4. The view that "baptized" refers to baptismal vows. This is rejected because the verse is referring to something that has happened to us, not something we do. Union with Christ is not accomplished by our actions or vows.

5. The view that "baptized" means coming under the influence of Christ. This is rejected because the verse teaches a union with Christ, not just coming under his influence.

6. The view that "baptized" refers to belief in Christ's death as atoning for our sins. This is rejected because the verse teaches our union with Christ in his death, burial and resurrection, not just belief in his death.

7. The view that baptism is a symbolic representation of our union with Christ. This is rejected because the verse states we were buried with Christ "through baptism", not just that baptism represents this. Also, baptism does not represent crucifixion with Christ which is part of our union with him.

8. Dr. Lloyd-Jones proposes that the "baptism" being referred to is Spirit baptism which joins us to Christ, not water baptism. This is supported by 1 Corinthians 12:13. Dr. Lloyd-Jones argues that water baptism does not accomplish or even fully represent our union with Christ.

9. Dr. Lloyd-Jones notes that Paul assumes all Christians understand this doctrine of union with Christ, as evidenced by his rhetorical question "Know ye not?". This shows that union with Christ is fundamental to Christianity, not an advanced doctrine. Paul taught this even to the Galatians, showing it is important for evangelism and discipleship.

10. The phrase "so many of us" refers to all Christians. Every Christian is united to Christ. There are only two categories: in Adam or in Christ. There is no middle ground.

11. We are baptized into Christ himself, not just parts of him or his work. We receive all of Christ - wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. We are complete in him, though we experience this more fully over time.

12. Everything true of Christ is true of us because we are in him, just as everything true of Adam became true of us because we were in him. We are in Christ's death, resurrection, and life.