BAPTISM BY TRINE FORWARD ACTION FITS IN WITH BIBLICAL LANGUAGE

BAPTISM BY TRINE FORWARD ACTION FITS IN WITH BIBLICAL LANGUAGE

 

 

While Brethren have not been known to reject baptism, simply because it was by some other action than forward, providing it was trine action, yet it is believed that forward action is correct: Rom. 6:3-5

ld. The scriptural foundation for baptism provides for forward action. It should be noticed that the Bible says, "in the likeness of his death and not his burial. He bowed his head and gave up the ghost."
2d. The scriptural use of the term baptism is in connection with for­ward action. 1 Cor. 10:2 "Baptized unto Moses in the cloud and in the sea". cf. Exod. 14:15 "That they go forward".
3d. The subjects of baptism should use forward action in this act of worship even as in others.
-Psa. 95:6 - "O come, let us worship, and bow down".
-Phil. 2:10- "Every knee should bow".
-Dan. 6:10- "Kneeled upon his knees three times a day".
4d. The baptism of converts by forward action enables them to perform the action themselves.
-Naaman the Syrian 2 Kings 5:14 "Dipped himself".
-There is record in history where the converts went down into the water and performed action themselves.
-As people watched Rev. Russell Ward in Akron Church administer baptism, and the convert was always ahead of him.

5d. The baptisteries that have been discovered provided space for for­ward action only.
6d. Baptism by forward action is the most reasonable, easy and natural method of carrying out the command of the Lord.
7d. History confirms forward action as the method. Baptism by forward action was the method until 1522, when Thomas Munzer, introduced backward motion.

NOTES:
1. Matt 28:19 is the command of Christ preceded by his own claim to authority.
2.  Acts 2:38; 10:48 record Peter's command. He is not introducing a new formula, but referring to Christ's authority in Matt. 28:19.
3.  Acts 8:16; 19:5 are historical accounts of what happened, and in each case the converts were definitely introduced into a new sphere of doctrine and life, namely, that of Christ.

4b. The meaning of baptism: its symbolism and significance.
lc. As a symbol, it points to the following things:
-ld. It symbolizes the tri-unity of God.
-le. The one baptism, that is, one event (once down into the water, once coming up out) signifies one God.
-2e. The three dipping’s while in the water point to the three persons in the Godhead.
-3e. The equal dipping’s mark the equality of the persons.

2d. It points to the work of the Godhead in salvation.
le. The Father is the source and sends the Son and the Spirit.
-Jas. 1:17 - everything is from the Father;
-1 John 4:14 Father sends the Son.
-John 14:26; 15:26 - The Father sends the Spirit; of Acts 1:4-5 with 11:16.

2e. The Son is the channel and administers the Baptism of the Spirit, and regenerates.
-Matt. 3:11; John 15:26 with Acts 2:33; John 5:21.

3e. The Spirit is the agent and applies the actual life of God to man.
-1 Cor. 12:13; Tit. 3:5.

3d. Especially does baptism point to the judicial facts in the believer's union with Christ.
le. It symbolizes the believer's union with Christ in death. Rom. 6:3.
2e. It symbolizes the believer's union with Christ in burial. Rom. 6:4a.

3e. It symbolizes the believer's union with Christ in resurrection. Rom. 6:4b-5.
(One might also point to crucifixion with Christ (vs. 6); walking in newness of life - Rom. 6:4-5).

4d. It symbolizes the actual experience of the believer at the time of conversion.
le. The believer is immersed into the Spirit, initially meaning death. Rom. 6:3; Rom. 12:13.
2e. Believer is regenerated by the Spirit; immediate result is life. John 3:5; Tit. 3:5.
3e. Believer is resurrected by Spirit to walk in newness of life. Rom. 8:11; 6:4.

2c. As an evidence: it points to the following things:
ld. Baptism is a public testimony of the believer's utter dependence on God for salvation. Rom. 6:23
2d. Baptism is a public confession of the believer's faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 2:38, 41; Acts 8:36-38; Acts 19:4-5.
3d. Baptism is a public demonstration of the believer's obedience to the command of Christ. Acts 22:16 with 9:18
4d. Baptism is a public dedication of the believer's life to Christ and a new career. Gal. 3:27; Rom. 6:4.
5d. Baptism is a public ceremony of the believer's entrance into the local congregation. Acts 2:41.