Baptism, by J. Clarke

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 29, 1863

Baptism,

By J. Clarke

SAYS one, is the answer of a good conscience. Says another, it is for the remission of sins. Another asserts, that baptism is a mere form of sprinkling, to be applied to infants. Another holds, that the water should be poured upon the subject. Another concludes, that the forms of water baptism, are all done away with the law, the Sabbath, &c. and with one single blow, he sweeps away all outward forms, and decides, that all are at liberty to do as they please, only believe. Another says, that baptism is a baptism of the spirit. In fact, there is a perfect Babel of views on this subject among religionists.

But what is the meaning of this ceremony of baptism? We turn from tradition to the word of the Lord. By reading Romans vi, 3–9, and Col. ii, 12, it will be seen, that Paul considered baptism as connected with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. First, death to sin; the old man is slain with his deeds, crucified; dead with Christ; see Rom. vi, 8, crucified, Verse 6. Second, buried with him by baptism into death. As he was completely buried in the earth, so the convert is immersed, wholly buried. See verse 4, and Col. ii, 12. Nothing short of complete immersion will carry out this idea. Third, raised up out of the water, as a figure of Christ's resurrection. Rom. vi, 5; Col. ii, 12.

Here, then, is a ceremony, which fully sets forth to the beholders, the faith of the baptized convert in the death burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus; a doctrine as unpopular and absurd, in the apostolic age, as the keeping of the ten commandments is now, in the 19th century. And this ordinance, is as binding now as ever, but as it is not very much opposed by the religious world, it cannot be as severe a test, as some other more hated and opposed doctrines. Still it is as clearly enforced and obligatory as any.

He who is baptized thus into Christ's death, Rom. v, 1, 3, is baptized for the dead; see 2 Cor. xv, 29; that is, "into Christ's death" and fully understanding the import of the ceremony, he thus answers a good conscience toward God, by the resurrection of Jesus Christ. See 1 Peter iii, 21.

Hence it is clear, that the true Christian, the commandment keeper, will not be slow to obey the ordinance of baptism, for the remission of sins. How for the remission of sins? Simply this. The immersed convert by thus manifesting his belief in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, does so state to the world, that he believes in, and accepts the plan of salvation, which is built upon these three facts, Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. Prove these facts, and the New Testament stands. Disprove them, and it fails.

As the law of God is the faith and substance of the Old Testament, so the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, is the heart of the New. Glory to God, that under the proclamation of the third message, the connection existing between the law of God and the sufferings of Jesus, and his victory, has been so clearly set forth; and the greater woe to him who closes heart, and eye, and ear, to the charms of truth.

J. CLARKE.