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When Rebaptism Is Appropriate, May 22
And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash
away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
Acts 22:16
.
There are many at the present day who have unwittingly violated
one of the precepts of God’s law. When the understanding is enlight-
ened, and the claims of the fourth commandment are urged upon the
conscience, they see themselves sinners in the sight of God. “Sin is the
transgression of the law” and he that shall “offend in one point, he is
guilty of all.”
1 John 3:4
;
James 2:10
.
The honest seeker after truth will not plead ignorance of the law as
an excuse for transgression. Light was within his reach. God’s Word
is plain, and Christ has bidden him search the Scriptures. He reveres
God’s law as holy, just, and good, and he repents of his transgression.
By faith he pleads the atoning blood of Christ, and grasps the promise
of pardon. His former baptism does not satisfy him now. He has seen
himself a sinner, condemned by the law of God. He has experienced
anew a death to sin, and he desires again to be buried with Christ by
baptism, that he may rise to walk in newness of life
This is a subject which each individual must conscientiously take
his position upon in the fear of God.... The duty of urging belongs to no
one but God; give God a chance to work with His Holy Spirit upon the
minds, so that the individual will be perfectly convinced and satisfied in
regard to this advanced step....
It [rebaptism] is a matter to be treated as a great privilege and bless-
ing, and all who are rebaptized, if they have the right ideas upon this
subject, will thus consider it.
It is the privilege and the duty of every Christian to have a rich and
abundant experience in the things of God. “I am the light of the world,”
said Jesus. “He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall
have the light of life.”
John 8:12
.... Every step of faith and obedience
brings the soul into closer connection with the Light of the world, in
whom there “is no darkness at all.”
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