A. The disciples in Rome had given proof in their practical ways of the Apostle’s doctrine in this chapter by walking in the truth, that the old man had been crucified with Christ. They were counting themselves as dead with Him, and alive unto God through Christ. Thus sin as not having dominion over them, and as set free from its slavery they had become slaves to righteousness (he speaks after the mariner of men.) The heart was thus free to yield itself unto God in practical obedience, the conscience being at rest before Him.
I do not believe the thought you express is in the passage.
Their practice corresponded with the true spiritual meaning of their baptism, which was “unto death.” Baptism is never put as obedience in Scripture. It is always the act of the baptizer, never that of the baptized. It is never the sign of what a man is already, or of an inward state.