THE INSTRUCTION OF THE SAINTS ON THE SUBJECT OF BAPTISM
lb. Positive effort should be made to emphasize the importance of baptism in the thinking of God's people, not for its own sake, but for the sake of that for which it stands. Notice how distinctly this ordinance stands out in the minds of people. If this be true, then how important it is to have it stand out in the proper way (1 Cor. 1:13-16).
2b. Personal and detailed instruction of every group of candidates should be made before they enter the waters of baptism. This will enable them to understand what they are doing, and what the baptism points to in their experience (Acts 8:36-38).
3b. Publicly and repeatedly the whole congregation should be instructed on the meaning and value of baptism. By pointing out what it symbolizes, what it signifies, and what it safeguards, there will not only be a wholesome response to baptism, there will also be a wholesome regard for the fundamentals of the faith (Acts 2:38).
4b. Problems should not be avoided in public instruction, but care should be taken not to descend to mere controversy (Acts 19:3-5).
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