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. (Rom 6:4 NIV)

This does not mean that we are to live a new life then only. The Apostle rather wants to encourage the Christian congregation in Roman o this life here and now. His words point us to our grave and that of our sinful existence, but also the fresh, blessed and holy life of the new creation in Jesus Christ. In this way these words help us to recognize the moral consequences of our communion and fellowship with Christ’s death and resurrection. Just as faith alone grasps the results of this holy association, so it too draws the consequences of this union for our daily life and practiced sanctification. Faith alone receives the heavenly grace as gift. Faith alone brings forth the fruit of sanctification. Faith alone is God’s working in us bringing forth the fruit of a new life and bringing them to full bloom and fruition too. If the communion with Jesus Christ’s death and life are so crucial and decisive, then it should be our utmost priority to get to this fellowship or if we are called into it, to remain in it constantly. That’s what the faithful reference and return to Holy Baptism accomplishes. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved!

Lord Jesus Christ! From the very bottom of our heart we bring praise, glory and thankfulness to you our savior and redeemer. You have taken all power away from death by your death and you have liberated us from the fear of death and dying so that we would be free and released from this fearful bondage and servitude. We humbly ask you: Grant us your grace, that in communion with your death we would die to all sin and godlessness to rather life in the fellowship of your new life and creation. In the hour of our death strengthen us in faith that your holy and most precious blood was shed for us also and that your merits and worthiness have been granted to us as ours vicariously and salvifically in and through the most holy and precious Baptism. Amen. (Prussian Agenda 1895)

You have inscribed me into the book of life – you the life of my life. Oh, let me my baptism into your death not be in vain. Rather grant that no curse can wipe me out from there and from the holy union with you.

Keep me through this holy Baptism in the communion of life with you and all saints and lead me all the way from this earthly abode to your celestial glory so that I may pass through Jordan’s waters and reach the promised land! (Banjamin Schmolck 1672-1737)

This is a rather free translation of Wilhelm Löhe’s devotion for Monday after the sixth Sunday after the high holiday and festival of the Holy Trinity. It is found on Pg. 258 in Lob sei Dir ewig, o Jesu!   (Eternal Praise to you o Jesus!) edited by A. Schuster and published in the Freimund Verlag, Neuendettelsau 1949.