2213.—Baptism. Its Object.
By W. E. R.
What is baptism in water for? Who are fit subjects for baptism? Can one enter the church of Christ without water baptism? Is baptism essential to salvation? W. E. R. Baptism, or immersion, because that is what the word means, is that ceremony ordained of the Lord by which His people come into public relation with Himself. It shows forth to the world their faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. Compare 1 Cor. 5:1-3 with Rom. 6:3-6. It is by baptism that the believer is married to Christ. "Wherefore, my brethren, ye also were made dead to the law thru the body of Christ; that ye should be joined to another, even to Him who was raised from the dead, that we might bring forth fruit unto God." Rom. 7:4. "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." Gal. 3:27. See also Rom. 6:3. The subjects for baptism are those who repent and believe. "Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ." Acts 2:38. "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned." Mark 16:16. The intelligent Christian will follow the Lord's plan. He, therefore, will find baptism required, and he will be baptized. But there are very many who do not understand this and yet who desire to do God's will perfectly. "The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward Him." He therefore accepts them, even tho they are not literally baptized; and they are therefore members of His church, His body. Sometimes opportunity does not come to these souls for baptism. Take, for instance, the thief on the cross. There is no question at all but what he would have been baptized if opportunity had offered, but the Lord accepted him just as he was, and assured him of a place in His kingdom. Baptism is essential to salvation, as every other duty which God has given in His word is essential. He who sees the duty of God's word and fails to do it becomes responsible for his transgression, and he certainly can not claim the power of God unto salvation if he is not willing to comply with the Lord's terms of salvation. On the other hand, if he has a heart to do God's will, and does not know what the Lord requires of him, it seems very clear and evident that God will save him without the outward act. Every commandment that God has given is essential, and yet there will be many saved in the kingdom of God who have not held these essential, because they did not understand. The righteousness of Christ will cover the failures of the sincere and honest-hearted.