DR. TALBOT’ METHOD OF BAPTISM Q. What do you understand the Scriptures to teach in regard to the mode of baptism? A. Rom. 6:4 teaches that baptism is a symbol of our identification with Christ in His death and resurrec tion. “ Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” When a believer submits himself to baptism, he is proclaiming his faith in Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection as the means by which he is saved. As to the mode, John 3:23, as well as other passages, give us some light. There we read: “ And John also was baptizing in AEnon near to Salim, because there was much water there.” There is no doubt that John baptized by immersion, else there would have been no need of “much water.” The word “ bap tize” means to “ dip” or “ plunge” ; and that can be performed only where there is “much water.” Acts 8:36-38 is another passage :hat suggests “ much water” ; “ And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water; and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.” I could sprinkle a hundred peo ple with a cupful of water, and it would not be necessary to “ go down into the water” to do that. Immer sion certainly sets forth beautifully
UESTIOTOX
SINLESS PERFECTION Q. What is sanctification, if it is not holiness or sinless perfection? A. “ Sanctification” and “ saint” are kindred words, and imply separa tion from the godless world. W e are set apart for God; that is sanctifica tion. Sanctification, however, is two fold: One aspect of the term has to do with our standing before God is brought about by the blood of Christ, and is eternal, complete, once for all. “W e are sanctified through the offering of the body of Christ once for all” (Heb. 10:10). Sanctification as to our state and daily walk is another thing. This is brought about through the oper ation of the Word of God, as we read it and allow it to judge our walk and ways. Christ said in His prayer for His disciples, “ Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth” (John 17:17). And Paul wrote of the same thing in Eph. 5:25,26: “ Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word.” As we read the holy Scrip tures, meditate upon them, love them, and seek to live by them, we are being separated from the things that would defile. W e have become afraid of the term, because those who teach sin less perfection in this life have appropriated it and perverted its scriptural meaning. But that should not cause us to give up the word or its message to us. It is the Chris tian’s duty and privilege to be sanc tified, though he can never claim sinless perfection this side of heav en. Then, “ when he shall appear, we shall be like him” in glory — free from sin and its power.
the great truths baptism illustrates death, burial, and resurrection. However, we must ever bear in mind that water baptism has noth ing to do with salvation. The only w'ater baptism known to Scripture is the immersion of a person after he has already believed unto salva tion. PATIENT POSSESSING Q. What is the meaning o f Luke 21:19, “ In your patience possess y e your souls” ? A. The Lord is speaking of the tribulation that is to precede His return to the earth, and is giving instruction to the Jewish remnant in regard to life and conduct in that day. Among other things, He ex horts them to faithful, patient con tinuance in His Word, which will give rest to their souls, even in an hour such as that. It is a lesson many of God’s people need to learn in this dispensation of the grace of God. WHO ARE THE DOGS Q. Please explain Matt. 15:26, where the Lord Jesus said to the Syrophenician woman, “ It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and cast it to the dogs.” A. Dr. Scofield gives an excellent explanation of this entire incident in a few words: “ For the first time the rejected Son of David ministers to a Gentile. It is a precursive ful fillment of Matt. 12:18. Addressed by a Gentile as Son of David, He makes no reply, for a Gentile has no claim upon Him in that char acter . . . Addressing Him as ‘Lord,’ she obtained an immediate answer. See Rom. 10:12, 13.”
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THE KING'S BUSINESS
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