Living in the Garden of Grace: Baptized into the Burial and Resurrection of Jesus

Reflections on David Kuykendall’s Living in the Garden of Grace

“Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
—Romans 6:4

In this section of Living in the Garden of Grace, David Kuykendall unpacks the tremendous implications of being baptized into the burial and resurrection of Jesus. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, believers are united with Christ in His burial and resurrection, which transforms every aspect of our spiritual lives.

Buried with Christ: A Second Lock on the Door

“Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death…”
—Romans 6:4

When we were baptized into Christ by the Holy Spirit, we were also baptized into His burial. This burial signifies two key truths:

1. Preparation for Resurrection
   Burial with Christ prepares us for spiritual resurrection. Just as Jesus' burial preceded His glorious resurrection, our burial with Him paves the way for walking in “newness of life.”

2. The Old Man Is Locked Away
   Kuykendall emphasizes that the burial of our old man is a second lock on the door, keeping our crucified old self out of power. Not only was our old man crucified with Christ, but he was also buried, signifying the finality of his reign over us. We no longer need to fear the dominance of the sin nature because its power has been completely severed.

Resurrected with Christ: Walking in Newness of Life

“… that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
—Romans 6:4

Our burial with Christ leads to resurrection, a transformation so complete that it changes our very identity. Kuykendall outlines three features of this resurrection, as revealed in Ephesians 2:5-6:

1. Made Alive with Christ
   “Even when we were dead in trespasses, [He] made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved)…”
   —Ephesians 2:5

   This spiritual resurrection means we are no longer dead in our sins but are now alive in Christ. Our new life is not a better version of the old; it is entirely new—a life sourced in Christ Himself.

2. Raised Up Together
   “…and raised us up together…”
   —Ephesians 2:6

   Being raised with Christ signifies a shift in our spiritual position. No longer bound by sin or the limitations of our old man, we are raised to live in the power of the Spirit. This enables us to walk in victory, not through our own effort but through Christ’s life within us.

3. Seated in Heavenly Places
   “…and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus…”
   —Ephesians 2:6

   Our resurrection is not just a present reality but an eternal one. We are spiritually seated with Christ in heavenly places, a position of authority, safety, and rest. This heavenly perspective changes how we view our earthly struggles—they are temporary, while our identity in Christ is eternal.

Living in Resurrection Power

To walk in “newness of life” means living out the reality of our resurrection with Christ. This is not a call to self-improvement but to Spirit-led transformation. Here are three practical ways to embrace this truth:

1. Believe the Finality of Burial
   Trust that your old man has been crucified and buried with Christ. When old temptations arise, remind yourself that the sin nature no longer has power over you.

2. Embrace Your New Identity
   Recognize that you are alive in Christ, raised to walk in the Spirit’s power. Let this truth shape your thoughts, actions, and relationships.

3. Live with a Heavenly Perspective
   Remember that you are seated with Christ in heavenly places. Approach life’s challenges from this position of victory, trusting in God’s eternal purposes.

Reflect & Respond

Consider these questions as you meditate on your burial and resurrection with Christ:

• Are there areas in your life where you still struggle to believe that your old man is truly buried with Christ?

• How can you more fully embrace your identity as one who is alive in Christ and raised with Him?

• In what ways does your heavenly position in Christ change your perspective on daily life?

Pray this:

“Lord, thank You for uniting me with Christ in His burial and resurrection. Thank You that my old man has been crucified and buried, never to reign over me again. I praise You for making me alive in Christ, raising me to walk in newness of life, and seating me in heavenly places. Thank You for teaching me to live in the reality of this resurrection power and trusting You to work through me for Your glory. Amen.”

A Final Thought

The truths of burial and resurrection are at the heart of the Christian life. They remind us that we are not called to live in our own strength but in the power of the risen Christ. As Kuykendall beautifully expresses:

“We were buried so that we might be raised and walk in newness of life.”

Let’s walk in that newness, confident in the finished work of Christ and the life He now lives in and through us.