Water Baptism Part 11

[Footnote 211: Bucks Dictionary]

[Footnote 212: Ecclesiastical History Vol. 2, P. 228]

[Footnote 213: Cyclopedia American and Britanica]

[Footnote 214: Ecclesiastical History Vol. 1, P. 383]

[Footnote 215: Ecclesiastical History Vol. 1, P. 381]

[Footnote 216: Ecclesiastical History Vol. 1, P. 382]

[Footnote 217: Ecclesiastical History Vol. 3, P. 105]

[Footnote 218: Ecclesiastical History Vol. 2, P. 226; Vol. 2, P. 705]

[Footnote 219: Britanica]

[Footnote 220: Neander Vol. 2, P. 240; Vol. 2, P. 241; Vol. 2, P. 242]

[Footnote 221: Mosheim Vol. 3, P. 104; Vol. 3, P. 105; Vol. 3, P. 105; Vol. 1, P. 419]

[Footnote 222: Mosheim Vol. 1, P. 314; Cyclopedia under Constantine Ambrose Chrysostom Jerome etc.]

[Footnote 223: Cyclopedia American and Britanica; Mosheim Vol. 2, P. 181]

[Footnote 224: Neander Vol. 3, P. 263]

[Footnote 225: Cyclopedia American and Britanica]

[Footnote 226: Mosheim Vol. 2, P. 355; Neander Vol. 3, P. 578]

[Footnote 227: Mosheim Vol. 2, P. 565; Neander Vol. 3, P. 593]

[Footnote 228: Mosheim Vol. 2, P. 567; Neander Vol. 3, P. 597]

[Footnote 229: Neander Vol. 3, P. 600]

[Footnote 230: Heb. 7.10]

[Footnote 231: Neander Vol. 4, P. 556]

[Footnote 232: Mosheim Vol. 3, P. 104; Vol. 3, P. 107; Vol. 1, P. 108]

[Footnote 233: Mosheim Vol. 3, P. 270; Vol. 3, P. 276; Vol. 3, P. 365; Vol. 3, P. 449; Vol. 3, P. 455]

[Footnote 234: Neander Vol. 4, P. 642; Cyclopedia American and Britanica]

[Footnote 235: Rev. 17.5, 6]

[Footnote 236: Mat. 5.3, 12]

[Footnote 237: Jon. 13.12, 17]

CONCLUSION

That water baptism, circ.u.mcision and many other ceremonies were ordained of G.o.d 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 pa.s.s 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 sh.o.r.e to sh.o.r.e 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]