The article calls attention to the fact that Christ’s shedding of His blood puts an end to the need of shedding of blood-including that of circumcision. Now we have baptism in its place. Remember that Jesus commanded baptism in Matt. 28:19. The word “baptism” indicates “a washing”.
By baptism we are “received into the church of God.” Baptism is the “ensign and banner” that marks the baptized as member of the church of God.
We are to use the pure water-not all of the additions made by the church of Rome: as breathing into the face of the baptized three times, putting salt into the mouth, etc.
Baptism is in the name of the triune God (Matt. 28:19). Jesus taught that we are baptized “in” or “into” that Name. Only baptism in the name of the Trinity is recognized by our churches.
Our fathers rejected the errors of the anabaptists (baptize again). These insisted upon rebaptism of the confessing adult. Often too, these insist on immersion rather than sprinkling.
We also teach “infant baptism”. The article lists several reasons for this. (1) It comes in the place of circumcision. (2) Christ’s blood is shed no less for children of the faithful than for adult believers. (3) In the O.T., a lamb had to be sacrificed for the newly-born child (Lev. 12:6). The atoning work of the Mediator was also for them.
We might add to this that baptism of infants is based especially upon the truth that God continues His covenant in the line of generations (Gen. 17:7). In the book of Acts, households were baptized-which must have included children.
We also do not require immersion. Christ teaches that, in the foot-washing, a full washing was not required. So too in baptism.
QUESTIONS:
1. What were the two types of baptism in the Old Testament? See the prayer in the baptism form and find the N.T. references to this.
2. What are proselytes?
3. What grounds do Baptists give for their denial of infant baptism?
4. Why do we use water in baptism?
5. What other grounds can you give for infant baptism?
6. How soon must infants be baptized?
7. Can we recognize baptisms by the Roman Catholics?
8. Did Israel use any form of baptisms or washings?