What shall we say, then? Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We are those who have died to sin; how can we live in it any longer? Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

--Parallel verses:
Ephesians‬ ‭4:7-10‬
But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. This is why it says: “When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people.” (What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.)

Jesus descended to earth, he lived among the poor, the outcasts, and the everyday people of society. He came from his Heavenly Kingdom to rescue sinners. He came to save not only people living then, but also to those who would come after him. And so when Jesus died as a perfect sacrifice, he conquered sin and death personally. He was not held captive to it ever, in his life or death. And he also conquered sin and death for all mankind. How? He was the propitiation for our sin, the payment or sacrifice God required for sin. And so for those who choose to follow him, he is our freedom and our life. And after his death, he rose on the third day and ascended into Heaven. And he is seated at the right hand of God the Father. He is seated in power and might and wisdom and honor and glory. And he is our advocate to the Father. He petitions God for our good.

When we are baptized, this is a very powerful symbol of this process. Going down in the water represents how Jesus descended to earth, and paid the price for mankind’s sin by dying on a cross. And coming up out of the water represents Jesus’ resurrection and ascension into Heaven to reign forevermore. All of the sins of the world were placed on Jesus’ shoulders. And they died with him. And out of this sacrifice and death arose new life. Not just Jesus’ new life, but a new life for all who believe. For he is our source of freedom and light in this life!

Praise you Father for the symbolism of baptism. What a great picture of the amazing gifts of redemption and salvation you gave to us, in sending your only Son to save us! Thank you and may I remember this sacrifice every day as I live in the freedom you give!