The present invention relates to an electrode for a rechargeable lithium battery comprising an emulsion binder, and a lithium secondary battery including the same. The electrode comprises a current collector coated with an active material layer including active material powders and a cellulose-based polymer binder having an esterification degree greater than or equal to 1.3 and a weight average molecular weight greater than or equal to 100,000. Batteries including electrodes with an active material that includes such a cellulose-based polymer exhibit improved energy density and high reversible capacity.