SUBSTITUTION AND IDENTIFICATION

For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection. (Romans 6:5)

Identification with Christ is really the center of all theology.
Mark Hankins

What does it mean to identify with Christ? We are instructed to practice two ordinances in the Church today. One of them is water baptism, and the other one is the Lord’s Supper.

Water baptism is a picture of your identification with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection. (Romans 6:3-6) The Lord’s Supper is to be regularly practiced.

Jesus said, “This do in remembrance of me…this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.” (1 Corinthians 11:24-25) When you partake of the bread and the cup in the Lord’s Supper, you are enforcing the fact that you are one with Him.

Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are types of your union and your identification with Christ. Paul shared his revelation in Colossians 1:26-27, “This mystery was hidden for ages and generations, but I am going to tell you what the secret is. It is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” You are swallowed up “in Christ.” You are in Him. You are buried with Him, and you are raised with Him.

Confession: I am swallowed up in Christ! In Him I died, I was buried, and I was raised up with Him!