Baptism is the rite of initiation into the Christian church,1 the visible sign and seal of belonging to God’s people.2 It symbolizes union with Christ such that baptized Christian believers are said to share in his death and resurrection (Romans 6:3–6; Colossians 2:12).3 In this sense, Christians have put on Christ; he is like a garment that envelops the believer (Isaiah 61:10; Zechariah 3:3ff.).4 Elsewhere Paul speaks of believers being clothed with the new self (Ephesians 4:24; Colossians 3:10).5
27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.