Baptism
Meaning of the Ordinance
The ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper are two mon-
umental pillars, one without and one within the church. Upon these
ordinances Christ has inscribed the name of the true God.
Christ has made baptism the sign of entrance to His spiritual king-
dom. He has made this a positive condition with which all must comply
who wish to be acknowledged as under the authority of the Father, the
Son, and the Holy Spirit. Before man can find a home in the church,
before passing the threshold of God’s spiritual kingdom, he is to re-
ceive the impress of the divine name, “The Lord our Righteousness.”
Jeremiah 23:6
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Baptism is a most solemn renunciation of the world. Those who
are baptized in the threefold name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy
Spirit, at the very entrance of their Christian life declare publicly that
they have forsaken the service of Satan and have become members of
the royal family, children of the heavenly King. They have obeyed the
command: “Come out from among them, and be ye separate, ... and
touch not the unclean thing.” And to them is fulfilled the promise: “I
will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be My
sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.”
2 Corinthians 6:17, 18
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Preparation for Baptism
There is need of a more thorough preparation on the part of can-
didates for baptism. They are in need of more faithful instruction
than has usually been given them. The principles of the Christian life
should be made plain to those who have newly come to the truth. None
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can depend upon their profession of faith as proof that they have a
saving connection with Christ. We are not only to say, “I believe,”
but to practice the truth. It is by conformity to the will of God in our
words, our deportment, our character, that we prove our connection
with Him. Whenever one renounces sin, which is the transgression of
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