How does participation in Christ's death affect believers?

Participation in the death of Christ is foundational to the believer’s identity and salvation. Colossians 2:20 states, 'Since you died with Christ...' This concept illuminates the reality that through their union with Christ, believers share in His death and thus are liberated from the bondage of sin. This spiritual death grants them new life, marked by a relationship where their old self is put to death and they are raised to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4). Thus, the believer's identity is now anchored in Christ's completed work on the cross, which provides assurance of eternal life and communion with God.