Plain Words For The Young Who Belong To Christ

by N.D.W. MILLER | Category: Pages For Young Believers | Nov 1932

Concerning things that differ-

VII.-ON BAPTISM.

We believe that the Divine formula in Matthew 28. 19, remains for all time, namely, "Baptising them into the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

As to the mode, we are not left in doubt, nor to our own devices. Acts 8. is explicit. "They both went down into the water, both Philip and the Eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they came up out of the water," and so forth. This was the practice in early days, and is Divinely recorded for us.

Coming now to the teaching of Baptism-what the Lord means by it-we read in Romans 6. 3, "Are ye ignorant that all we who were baptized into Christ Jesus, were baptised into His death?" This speaks of the Cross-His death in all its dread reality for you and for me. "Ye died, and your life is hid with Christ in God" (Colossians 3. 3). "We were buried therefore with Him through baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life" (Romans 6. 4).

We were buried. Being placed under the water indicates burial, as an acknowledgement of previous death-the baptised person passes in figure, or in type, through that which the Lord passed through actually. There is no saving virtue in the water at all, as so many, alas, falsely teach-no putting away of the filth of the flesh; but there is-as indicated in the question of the Eunuch, "Behold, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptised?" the interrogation (or answer) of a good conscience toward God (1 Peter 3. 21).

Immersion is the only practice that could possibly symbolize burial and resurrection.

Many maintain, that, if persons are baptised in the Holy

Spirit (John 1. 33; 1 Corinthians 12. 13, etc.) then baptism in water is unnecessary-non-essential. We reply-non-essential unto salvation; but absolutely essential unto obedience.

Then again, some believe in what is called "household baptism," which, as taught by those who hold it, has no place in Scripture.

There are three households mentioned in the New Testament. Lydia's household (Acts 16. 14, 15); the jailor's household (Acts 16. 30-34); and the house of Stephanus (1 Corinthians 1. 16).

In order to even infer that in Lydia's household children were baptised, we must needs, first-prove that she had a husband; and secondly, establish that she had children; and thirdly, prove that these children were too young to exercise faith in the Lord Jesus.

In the case of the jailor, we read that "he rejoiced greatly, with all his house, having believed in God." It was a believing household and consequently a rejoicing household that was baptised.

In 1 Corinthians 1. 16, Paul says, "I baptised also the household of Stephanus." But to adduce from this passage that infants were included among those baptised is flatly negatived in the Word itself, for in chapter 16. 15, of that very Epistle, it is said of that same household-"they have set themselves to minister unto the saints." As someone has remarked-"certainly not a very infantile pursuit."

In conclusion, the Scriptures plainly teach that

I.Baptism is for disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.

II.Baptism is the outward confession of an inward faith.

III.Baptism symbolizes Death, Burial, and Resurrection.

IV.Baptism is unto Christ as Lord, and entails the positive obligation to obey Him in all things.

V.Baptism is not presented as a door leading to any ecclesiastical position, nevertheless it is impossible to be in the divine position (1 Timothy 3. 15; Hebrews 3. 6), without first being baptised in water.

VI.Baptism is unto walking in newness of life.

There is one other important passage we must note in Colossians, chapters 2. and 3. Here again Baptism is associated with Him in whom "dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily... in whom ye were also circumcised with a circumcision not made with hands, in the putting off of the body of the flesh, in the circumcision of Christ; having been buried with Him in baptism, wherein ye were also raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead... If then ye were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God."

Romans 6. teaches, raised (in figure) to walk in newness of life. Colossians 3. teaches raised (in figure) to seek the things that are above.

May Christ become increasingly our Treasure-" for where your Treasure is, there will your heart be also." And may it be truly said of us-"Ye became obedient from the heart to that form (pattern) of teaching whereunto ye were delivered" (Romans 6. 17).

Number IX, on "MY Church." and "The church OF GOD," to follow, if the Lord will.

N.D.W. MILLER | Nov 1932
Pages For Young Believers