11 - Chapter 10

CONCLUSION That water baptism, circumcision and many other ceremonies were ordained of God for Israel is evident from Scripture. That these ordinances were fulfilled in Christ is to us likewise evident. He took them out of the way and nailed them to his cross; still they were permitted for a time unto Israel and we do not presume to deny their permission to some even until now, for "a thousand years with the Lord is as but one day."[238] As children of the light, we ever respect and regard every manifestation of that light to mankind in all ages of the world, whether to Jew or Gentile or to people unknown.

We realize that there has been an increased revelation of this divine light, and believe, as our Saviour taught,[239] that it will continue to increase as we are able to bear it, and in proportion to this increase will symbols and sacraments pass away.

How can we doubt that our Saviour, with his last words here upon earth, had in view his own glorious baptism of the Holy Spirit[240] when he commanded his apostles to preach among all nations repentance and remission of sin, in his name with power from on high? This power from on high was the baptism of the Holy Spirit which he promised his apostles and disciples when he said, "John indeed baptized with water, but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit."[241]

They had to be baptized with this baptism themselves before they could go teach all nations baptizing them. Power from on high was the one requisite to administer this baptism.[242] They had baptized with water before this power was fully given at Pentecost and continued to baptize in the same way after Pentecost[243] but this power is never mentioned in connection with water baptism. It is, however, frequently mentioned in connection with preaching the Gospel.

These same conditions have continued until now. Power from on high is not yet necessary to administer water baptism but it is indispensable to preaching the Gospel.

Altho’ this power came in fulness at Pentecost, yet Paul and legions more have received this power since Pentecost.

Farrar says[244]: This miracle is not transient but is continuously renewed. Not to a narrow apostilate in an upper chamber at Jerusalem. It is a vivifying wind that breathes henceforth in all ages. It revived a world. It is the power of an endless life. A tide of light which is rolling and shall roll from shore to shore until the Earth is full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea: in this aspect the outward symbol _sinks into subordinate importance_.

We think: In this aspect the outward symbol _sinks entirely_.

There are many Scripture testimonies that the apostles were instrumental in baptizing with the Holy Spirit. To strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Asia, Cappadocea,and Bythima the Gospel was preached "with the Holy Spirit sent down from Heaven."[245] Were not these scattered strangers of many lands baptized with the Holy Spirit through Gospel preaching as Christ intended when he commissioned his disciples to go teach all nations, baptizing? By Paul’s ministry the Thessalonians received the Gospel with power and with the Holy Spirit.[246]

Paul preached to the Corinthians; not with the enticing words of man’s wisdom but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.[247] As Christ commissioned his apostles so Paul preached with power from on high.[248] As Peter preached to the household of Cornelius the Holy Spirit fell upon all who heard.[249] This household of Cornelius to whom Peter preached, the Thessalonians and Corinthians to whom Paul preached and the scattered strangers who received the Gospel with the Holy Spirit sent down from Heaven and hosts more not mentioned were all baptized with the Holy Spirit through Gospel preaching as Christ intended when he commanded his apostles.

Go teach all nations, baptizing.[250] Go preach the Gospel to every creature.[251] Preach among all nations.[252] As my Father hath sent me even so I send you.[253] Ye shall be witnesses unto me to the uttermost parts of the earth.[254] Preach unto the people.[255] Preach the Gospel.[256] But tarry ye at Jerusalem until endued with power from on high.[257] Wait in Jerusalem for the promise of the Father which said he ye have heard of me.[258]

How very weak it seems and how entirely foreign to even think of water in connection with these last words of our Saviour.

He is indeed with his dependent children in this our day. While he baptizes them with the Holy Spirit immediately he also uses many and varied means and instruments.

Upon servants and handmaidens the Holy Spirit is now poured out as foretold by the prophet Joel and by John the Baptist and promised by Christ.[259] Sons and daughters do now prophecy with power from on high.

We admire and wonder as did Peter at this baptizing power.[260] We remember the word of the Lord how he said John indeed baptized with water.[261] But ye shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.[262]

FOOTNOTES:

[Footnote 238: Col 2:14; Acts 15:1; Acts 15:21; Acts 21:18; Acts 21:26; 1Co 1:14; 1Co 1:17;

2Pe 3:8] [Footnote 239: Jonah 16.12] [Footnote 240: Luk 24:47; Luk 24:49] [Footnote 241: Acts 1:5; Acts 11:16] [Footnote 242: Luk 24:47; Luk 24:49] [Footnote 243: Jon 4:2] [Footnote 244: Life of St. Paul P. 52, 53] [Footnote 245: 1Pe 1:1; 1Pe 1:12] [Footnote 246: 1Th 1:5] [Footnote 247: 1Co 2:4] [Footnote 248: Luk 24:49] [Footnote 249: Acts 10:44; Acts 11:15] [Footnote 250: Mat 28:19] [Footnote 251: Mark 16:15] [Footnote 252: Luk 24:47] [Footnote 253: Jonah 20.21] [Footnote 254: Acts 1:8] [Footnote 255: Acts 10:42] [Footnote 256: 1Co 1:17] [Footnote 257: Luk 24:49] [Footnote 258: Acts 1:4] [Footnote 259: Acts 10:45; Joe 2:28; Mark 1:8; Acts 1:5; Acts 11:16] [Footnote 260: Acts 10:45] [Footnote 261: Acts 1:5] [Footnote 262: Acts 11:16] THE END.

End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Water Baptism, by James H. Moon E-sword module built by Manoau2002