|
BACK |
|
Baptism applies to both men and women (Acts 8:12 and 16:15). |
|
Scripture does not suggest that baptism has to take place before witnesses. In the case of the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8), so far as the record goes, the only persons who were present at the baptism were those involved in it: Philip and the eunuch. It is likely that the Ethiopian, being a man in power (verse 27) had an entourage which witnessed the baptism. However the passage says nothing as to this. There is a hint that there were others, in that when Philip linked on with the Ethiopian he was reading in his chariot, something he could hardly have done if the chariot was in motion and he was driving it. Apart from this one would not suppose that a journey from Ethiopia to the land of Israel and back would be made on ones own; it would have been too dangerous. In baptism the name of the Lord is called upon (Acts 22:16). He is the required witness. |
|
Baptism is an ordinance and consequently something done by the outward man. Christian circumcision is inward (Romans 2:28/29). Baptism admits to the privilege of being part of the Christian profession. It does not give title to heaven; faith is needed for that. The thief went to paradise without baptism. The gift of the Holy Spirit brings a person into the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13). Hence it is those that have the Spirit who should take part in the ordinance of the Lord's supper. The loaf represents the body (1 Corinthians 10:17). |
|
Because baptism admits to privilege it cannot be a matter of obedience. We have the statements in Scripture: "Behold water; what hinders my being baptised" (Acts 8:36) and "Can any one forbid water" (Acts 10:47). These statements would not be appropriate if baptism were a matter of obedience. |
|
Admission to the Christian profession is somewhat the equivalent of being admitted to the court of the tabernacle. It is distinct from being inside. At the beginning, baptism (the outward thing) was usually followed by the reception of the Spirit (the inward thing) (Acts 2:38; 19:5/6). The baptised persons would no doubt have had part in the breaking of bread when that was so. Children, if any, who were baptised but had not received the Spirit would not have taken part in the Lord's supper. There are, however, precepts given to such in Ephesians 6:1 and Colossians 3:20. Hence they are not regarded as outside the sphere of Christian profession. The apostle Paul would not have given such exhortations to the heathen. Christian children may be regarded as in a position similar to that of the boy Samuel, of whom it is said at one stage that he did not yet know Jehovah, neither had the word of Jehovah yet been revealed to him (1 Samuel 3:7). Many children of Christian parents are in that position. |
|
|
|
January 2000 |
|
|