Living in the Garden of Grace: The Believer’s Baptism into Jesus

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

“For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body…”
—1 Corinthians 12:12-13a

When we think about baptism, the image of water often comes to mind—a symbol of faith and obedience. But David Kuykendall, in his book Living in the Garden of Grace, highlights a deeper reality: the spiritual baptism into Jesus. This baptism, performed by the Holy Spirit, unites us with Christ in His death, burial, and resurrection.

Let’s explore the profound truth of what it means to be baptized into Jesus and how this shapes our identity as believers.

United with Christ: What Does It Mean?

Kuykendall draws our attention to one of the most significant yet often overlooked truths of the Christian life: the believer’s union with Christ. The New Testament repeatedly uses phrases like “in Christ,” “in Him,” and “in Jesus” to describe our salvation. In fact, these expressions appear more often than terms like justification, redemption, or sanctification. Why? Because they point to the very foundation of our life in Christ—our union with Him.

Paul writes in Romans 6:3-5:

“Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death…if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection.”

This spiritual baptism is the work of the Holy Spirit. It’s not something we do for God; it’s something He does for us. Through this baptism:

• We are crucified with Christ: Our old self is put to death.

• We are buried with Christ: The power of sin is broken.

• We are raised with Christ: We walk in newness of life as a new creation.

This union with Christ is not symbolic; it’s a spiritual reality that defines who we are as believers.

From Adam to Christ: A New Identity

Kuykendall reminds us of the powerful contrast Paul draws in Romans 5:14 between Adam and Jesus. Adam, as the head of the natural race, passed on sin and death to all humanity. But Jesus, as the head of the spiritual race, brings life, righteousness, and resurrection to those who are “in Him.”

Here’s the key:

• Just as we inherited Adam’s sin and its consequences by being born into his race,

• We inherit Jesus’ crucifixion, burial, and resurrection by being born again into His race.

This shift from Adam to Christ is the essence of the gospel. We are no longer defined by our old identity in Adam but by our new identity in Christ.

Living Out Our Baptism

Understanding our baptism into Jesus transforms how we live. This isn’t just theology; it’s practical truth for everyday life.

1. Freedom from Sin
   Being crucified with Christ means the power of sin has been broken. While we may still struggle, we are no longer slaves to sin. We can walk in victory, relying on the Holy Spirit to express Christ’s life through us.

2. A New Way of Living
   Our baptism into Jesus’ resurrection means we are empowered to live a new life—a life marked by grace, joy, and peace. This isn’t about trying harder but about trusting God to express His life through us.

3. Eternal Perspective
   Being united with Christ means we share in His eternal life. This gives us hope and confidence, even in the face of trials, because our destiny is secure in Him.

Reflect & Respond

Take a moment to reflect on your baptism into Jesus.

• Are you living as though you are still in Adam, or are you embracing your new identity in Christ?

• What areas of your life need to align with the reality of your union with Christ?

Pray this:

“Lord, thank You for uniting me with Jesus through His death, burial, and resurrection. Thank You that my old self has been crucified, and I have been raised to walk in newness of life. I trust You to live Your life through me, and I rest in the truth that my identity is secure in Christ. May Your Spirit guide me to walk in this reality every day. Amen.”

A Final Thought

The believer’s baptism into Jesus is the foundation of the Christian life. It’s not just a moment in time but an ongoing reality that shapes who we are and how we live. As Kuykendall writes:

“From Jesus we received crucifixion, burial, and resurrection.”

Let’s embrace this truth, walking in the fullness of our identity in Christ and allowing His life to shine through us.