Basic HTML Version
The Ordinance of Baptism, October 15
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ
was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should
walk in newness of life.
Romans 6:4
.
The ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Supper are two monumental pillars....
Upon these ordinances Christ has inscribed the name of the true God.
Christ has made baptism the sign of entrance to His spiritual kingdom. 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 receive the impress of the divine name “The Lord Our
Righteousness” (
Jeremiah 23:6
).
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 ... 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
)....
The principles of the Christian life should be made plain to those who have
newly come to the truth. None 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 the law, his life will be brought into
conformity to the law, into perfect obedience. This is the work of the Holy Spirit.
The light of the Word carefully studied, the voice of conscience, the strivings of
the Spirit, produce in the heart genuine love for Christ, who gave Himself a whole
sacrifice to redeem the whole person, body, soul, and spirit. And love is manifested
in obedience. The line of demarcation will be plain and distinct between those who
love God and keep His commandment, and those who love Him not and disregard
His precepts.
Faithful Christian men and women should have an intense interest to bring the
convicted soul to a correct knowledge of righteousness in Christ Jesus.... They must
not neglect the faithful, tender, loving instruction so essential to the young converts
that there may be no half-hearted work. The very first experience should be right....
Through association with those who love and fear God they will receive strength
(
Testimonies for the Church 6:91-93
).
[303]
306