1.1 - The Act, Subjects, and Design of Baptism

Introduction The Act, Subjects, and Design of Baptism An Address delivered by Mr. James Anderson, Evangelist The churches of Christ

Though there are divisions among believers, it is pleasing to think that there is agreement on many fundamental matters. We believe in the same God, the same Savior, and the same Holy Spirit, and we all acknowledge the Bible as the standard of appeal in religion. These are great matters, and it is pleasing to know that, with few exceptions, we are agreed upon them. Still, there are subjects upon which we are not agreed, and I have resolved to devote the time at my disposal this evening to one of these subjects.

We are often blamed for saying too much about Baptism. It is seldom I give an address on that subject, but I wish to do so tonight. Baptism may be looked at from three standpoints. First, "What does baptism mean?" When Christ commanded His disciples to go and baptize, He commanded an action of some kind. What was that action? In the second place we may enquire, "Who should be baptized?" and, lastly, "What is baptism for?" - that is, is it for any particular purpose? or what place does it fill in the Christian economy? When you know what baptism means, whom it is for, and what it is for, you may be said to understand that subject.