In Colossians 2:11,12, baptism is discussed in analogy with ____.

• A. baptism, burial, and resurrection
• B. circumcision, burial, and ascension
• C. circumcision, baptism, and resurrection
• D. circumcision, burial, and resurrection

Answer: (D)

Baptism is presented as the visible sign of dying to sin and rising to new life in Christ, and this is tied directly to a spiritual form of circumcision. Paul first speaks of believers being circumcised with the circumcision made without hands—an inner, spiritual cutting away of the sinful nature by Christ. He then describes baptism as being buried with Christ and raised with Him through faith in the power of God who raised Jesus from the dead. So the passage links three elements: circumcision (the spiritual removal of sin), burial (in baptism), and resurrection (being raised to new life). Baptism thus is understood as the symbol of both death to the old self and new life with Christ, which is why the trio of circumcision, burial, and resurrection best fits the analogy.