Galatians 3:27
27For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Truth to Learn
When we come to faith in Jesus Christ we become a child of God and we embrace all that Jesus is. We wrap ourselves in Him.
Behind the Words
The word translated “into” is the Greek word “eis” which can mean into but it can also mean motion toward or upon any place or thing. Hence, it is often translated as “unto.”
The words “put on” are from a form of the Greek word “enduo” which literally means to sink into. It is the word used to express putting oneself into his or her clothing. To put on someone else, however, is a very peculiar expression to our modern ears. According to Chrysostom, one of the greatest preachers of the fourth century, Bishop of Constantinople, and a prolific writer: “We say of friends, one puts on the other, meaning thereby much love and unceasing fellowship.” So Paul’s meaning in saying that we have “put on” Christ is that we have a great love for our Lord and experience continual close fellowship with him. This is accomplished through constant prayer accompanied by continual reading and studying of God’s Word. Today we might say that we have “embraced Christ and His teachings.”
Meaning Explained
Paul has just told us that we obtain our sonship of God, not by deeds of righteousness but by faith in Jesus Christ. He now carries the idea one step further. Paul makes a reference to those who are justified by faith in Christ with the expression, “as many of you as were baptized unto Christ.” He is not saying here that only those who have been baptized are Christians, though some churches today teach that baptism is required for salvation. This is typically taken from the teachings of Jesus as He gave the great commission to the church:
Mark 16:15, 16 15And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”
Notice, however, that condemnation comes to those who do not believe, not to those who are not baptized. The notion that baptism is required in addition to faith is just as wrong as the false teaching that the Galatians had received, that one must believe and be circumcised in order to be saved.
Baptism is a testimony of the salvation that has already taken place and an indication that the believer has embraced Christ and all that He stands for. Paul will tell us in the next chapter of this letter to the Galatian churches that when we are saved we are guaranteed adoption into the family of God. As His adopted children we “put on” all the spiritual and behavioral clothing of His family.
So What?
As a Christian you have declared that you believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross to pay the penalty for your sins. When you did this God legally declared you to be as righteous (sinless) as Jesus Himself. And, according to this verse, you embraced all that He stands for.
Do those around you see you embracing all that He stands for?
In God’s service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2007 Will Krause. All rights reserved.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
If this message or this link was forwarded to you by a friend and you wish to receive future verses directly to your inbox, you can call the church phone (618) 614-3070 and leave a message telling us your name and e-mail address or you can send an e-mail to: