The Bible Class

LESSON XL. Baptism

Questions to Lesson 40^*

We have already seen that baptism is a duty, and that its place is at the commencement of the Christian race. It is the first outward act of obedience to the faith. By it we profess, by works, our faith in Christ, and take upon ourselves the Christian name. Says Paul, As many of you as have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ. Galatians 3:27. BIC 93.1

The present generation talk much in favor of spirituality, and heart obedience, while outward acts are either despised, or lightly esteemed as non-essentials. One says that if a man is said to be baptized, it is no matter how it is done. Another, that it is no matter whether it is done at all, if a person only has faith. In short, works are esteemed of so little consequence, that we might justly infer, from their arguments on some points of obedience, that they think that they may break the commandments of God, and neglect every institution of the gospel, and yet have their hearts right in the sight of God. This comes from Babylon. BIC 93.2

Abraham showed his faith by the offering of his son; and the Christian says, Show me thy faith without thy works and I will shew thee my faith by my works. James 2:14-26. BIC 93.3

Baptism is the obedience of faith; it is the form or model of the Christian doctrine, [Romans 6:11,] which is, salvation from sin by the death of Jesus Christ. The faith, the doctrine or the teaching is, That Christ died for our sins, that he was buried, and that he rose again. See 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4. The form is like the doctrine; the obedience is emblematic of the faith. Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death; that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. Romans 6:4. BIC 94.1

Here commences the new life. By this act we not only show our faith in what Christ has done for us, but we acknowledge ourselves worthy of death for our past transgressions of God’s law, and promise future obedience. We also declare that we are dead to sin and risen to live a life opposed to sin. Says Paul, How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Verse 2. Thus the faith does not make void the law, but establishes it. BIC 94.2

And as the resurrection of Christ is the pledge of the resurrection of the saints, [1 Corinthians 15:12-18,] so when we, by baptism, confess our faith in the one, as a consequence we confess our faith in the other. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. 1 Thessalonians 4:14. They will be raised from the dead at his coming. BIC 94.3