1885 Watch Tower - A2Z.org
1885 Watch Tower - A2Z.org 1885 Watch Tower - A2Z.org
the believing could be done by proxy much more the baptizingcould be done for another.This much we may know from a very limited use of reason in thestudy of the bare facts recorded, without seeing the true import ofthe ordinance. But when we come to see the significance of theordinance, no room is left for conjecture. As already pointed out inthese columns [see Oct., '84, issue], the baptism of Christ and thatof John are of different import. The former indicates that all whoperform the symbol have consecrated themselves to death, havedelivered themselves over into the hands of Jesus, praying that Hewill work in us to will and to do of His good pleasure; that we maybe buried as human beings --immersed into the BODY [the trueChurch*] of Christ by being immersed into death with him, (Rom.6:3,4,) and be also with Him and like our Head [spiritual beings] inthe resurrection; sharing his death and also his resurrection. (Phil.3:10.)Those who do see the real meaning and significance of the watersymbol, must see in it a beauty and force. The complete burial andthe struggle which nature makes against it, are strikingly suggestiveof the complete consecration against which our human willstruggles hard. The helpless condition of the one buried, and thepower yet ease by which the administrator can raise him up,represent strikingly our helplessness in death, and the power of Godwho raised up Jesus, to raise up us also by Jesus. Thus the raisingup represents not only our future quickening and perfection, butalso the fact that we even now are in the world as no longer humanbeings, but "new creatures" in Christ Jesus, walking in newness oflife; in the world, but no longer of it.If any one sees clearly the real import of the ordinance, andDESIRES not to follow those footprints of Jesus as well as others,he should, in honesty to himself, make a thorough examination ofthe obstacle which hinders, lest peradventure it be pride whichwould prove that the real baptism, the real death, had not takenplace. The wholly consecrated heart will be willing, if not anxious,to have it's Master's will done in every matter.We have never urged any one to perform the symbol. Jesus and theApostles never did so. Like the reality, it must be a voluntaryoffering, to be an "offering" at all. The same is true of all the Lord'sdealings with those whose selection is now in progress: they arecalled or invited, not forced or compelled. The Lord's Supper andBaptism, and the things symbolized by these, are held out asprivileges, and are intended to draw or select those who thusappreciate them. Our obedience is the test of our love, and thus theMaster puts it: "If ye love me, keep my commandments."Does some one inquire whether the obtaining of the CROWN mightdepend on so small a matter as obedience to a symbol? We answer,Yes, it might. If the propriety and significance of the ordinancenever came to your notice, or if you could not obey it, then you are
lameless of any disobedience; but to him that knew his Master'swill and did it not, to him it is SIN--wilful sin. (James 4:17; Luke12:47.) Such are not overcomers. God tests powerfully sometimeswith small things. In Eden the sin was in disobedience: the fruit wasthe test which showed it. So here various are the tests by which ourLord requires us to prove our full consecration. The form or symbolis nothing, except as it represents the real consecration. Is theconsecration real and complete which is ashamed of the symbol? Itis well that we make sure work of it by being conformed in allthings to the pattern of our Lord. Let no man take thy crown. Theywill soon all be "laid up" for overcomers and the body complete;now is the acceptable time if you have any sacrifice to present toGod, holy and acceptable by Jesus Christ.For our part we stand in constant fear (2 Cor. 11:3; Heb. 4:1.) forthose who have failed to perform the symbol after having realizedthe true significance of Baptism. Nothing short of full, completeconsecration will stand the test of the trials of this "Evil day" intowhich we have already entered: all others must fall under thedelusive snares of the adversary. Only as we are wholly swallowedup in consecration shall we be "able to stand." Such being kept bythe power of God are the Elect and the delusions and snares woulddeceive if it were possible, the very elect; but it is not possible,because they shall be holden. One fear is lest those referred toshould be found short of full consecration.As to who shall baptize you in symbol, my Brother, it makes nodifference. I should prefer one of the Brethren who appreciates thereality. You could then plant him and others in the likeness ofChrist's death, and raise them in a figure or symbol of Hisresurrection. It matters not where, either--a regularly preparedBaptistry, which you might hire for the occasion, or the river, orany place where there is plenty of water. (John 3:23.)----------*The "Baptists" get a glimpse only of the significance of theordinance: they see that Baptism is the only means of access to thebody, the church, but fail to see the real Church--the one whosenames are written in heaven; as they fail also to grasp the trueimport of the immersion into death, of which that into water is onlythe symbol.R396 : page 2----------"Let your moderation be known unto all men."--Phil. 4:5.R741 : page 3====================
- Page 115 and 116: to-day think of it--as "the angel G
- Page 117 and 118: ecome joint-heirs with Him. Like Je
- Page 119 and 120: R730 : page 1page 1VOL. VI.PITTSBUR
- Page 121 and 122: their numbers were far less, but th
- Page 123 and 124: ook. Every one will be called a Chr
- Page 125 and 126: that I tried to shake it off, but i
- Page 127 and 128: Taunton, Mass.DEAR BROTHER:--Please
- Page 129 and 130: the responsibilities of our maturer
- Page 131 and 132: their office, of their being finall
- Page 133 and 134: passed away because the necessity f
- Page 135 and 136: These thoughts were suggested by tw
- Page 137 and 138: Hence without attempting to teach i
- Page 139 and 140: us a copy of such paper with the ar
- Page 141 and 142: can bring against it. Since then, t
- Page 143 and 144: for existence though every proof-te
- Page 145 and 146: Here the lecturer wanders still fur
- Page 147 and 148: scientific knowledge, and thereby p
- Page 149 and 150: trust we shall be able to show this
- Page 151 and 152: directly in the hands of those whos
- Page 153 and 154: While we understand from Scripture
- Page 155 and 156: faith. And apparently most of the "
- Page 157 and 158: would you not, sacrifice your honor
- Page 159 and 160: come, buy wine and milk without mon
- Page 161 and 162: had failed to prove a real blessing
- Page 163 and 164: BROTHER RUSSELL: I received the pap
- Page 165: therefore, never been baptized (by
- Page 169 and 170: harmony with it, you never will be
- Page 171 and 172: "This great salvation" must take pl
- Page 173 and 174: R742 : page 4RICHES OF HIS grace in
- Page 175 and 176: RECKONED as filling up that which i
- Page 177 and 178: Since the Gospel Church enters upon
- Page 179 and 180: ----------"IT is easier to find a s
- Page 181 and 182: glorified with Him and made fully l
- Page 183 and 184: "SHOW me the man you honor. I know
- Page 185 and 186: Episcopalians and United Presbyteri
- Page 187 and 188: They do not openly deny the meaning
- Page 189 and 190: Why does our Saviour take the serpe
- Page 191 and 192: The 3d verse explains still further
- Page 193 and 194: R746 : page 8Is there no danger tha
- Page 195 and 196: "My dear fellow," he said, "you're
- Page 197 and 198: out of your mouth, but that which i
- Page 199 and 200: This paper will be sent free to any
- Page 201 and 202: of Christ's presence] is a day of t
- Page 203 and 204: If all could see that the world's h
- Page 205 and 206: R750 : page 2the race. When I first
- Page 207 and 208: I baptized four into Christ on Apri
- Page 209 and 210: We sometime since made mention of t
- Page 211 and 212: These are humble words written from
- Page 213 and 214: entered into the realization of her
- Page 215 and 216: the writings of Moses, as we are ta
lameless of any disobedience; but to him that knew his Master'swill and did it not, to him it is SIN--wilful sin. (James 4:17; Luke12:47.) Such are not overcomers. God tests powerfully sometimeswith small things. In Eden the sin was in disobedience: the fruit wasthe test which showed it. So here various are the tests by which ourLord requires us to prove our full consecration. The form or symbolis nothing, except as it represents the real consecration. Is theconsecration real and complete which is ashamed of the symbol? Itis well that we make sure work of it by being conformed in allthings to the pattern of our Lord. Let no man take thy crown. Theywill soon all be "laid up" for overcomers and the body complete;now is the acceptable time if you have any sacrifice to present toGod, holy and acceptable by Jesus Christ.For our part we stand in constant fear (2 Cor. 11:3; Heb. 4:1.) forthose who have failed to perform the symbol after having realizedthe true significance of Baptism. Nothing short of full, completeconsecration will stand the test of the trials of this "Evil day" intowhich we have already entered: all others must fall under thedelusive snares of the adversary. Only as we are wholly swallowedup in consecration shall we be "able to stand." Such being kept bythe power of God are the Elect and the delusions and snares woulddeceive if it were possible, the very elect; but it is not possible,because they shall be holden. One fear is lest those referred toshould be found short of full consecration.As to who shall baptize you in symbol, my Brother, it makes nodifference. I should prefer one of the Brethren who appreciates thereality. You could then plant him and others in the likeness ofChrist's death, and raise them in a figure or symbol of Hisresurrection. It matters not where, either--a regularly preparedBaptistry, which you might hire for the occasion, or the river, orany place where there is plenty of water. (John 3:23.)----------*The "Baptists" get a glimpse only of the significance of theordinance: they see that Baptism is the only means of access to thebody, the church, but fail to see the real Church--the one whosenames are written in heaven; as they fail also to grasp the trueimport of the immersion into death, of which that into water is onlythe symbol.R396 : page 2----------"Let your moderation be known unto all men."--Phil. 4:5.R741 : page 3====================
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