WHY GOD DEMANDS WATER BAPTISM (Part Two)

By Bob Myhan and Steve Tidwell

y “positive law” we mean simply something that God commands that is unrelated to what might be called “moral law.” It may be easier to understand if we look at an example. Having promised him that he would be the father of a great nation (Gen. 12:1-3), and that Isaac would be the seed of promise (Gen. 21:12), God commanded Abraham to offer up his only son, Isaac, as a burnt sacrifice (Gen. 22:1-2).

This was not only against human nature; it was also against moral law. But there is a reason for everything God does and everything God asks man to do. On this occasion God was testing the faith of Abraham. And his faith was strong! He did not hesitate to do what God commanded of him.

Another example of a positive command is the Lord's Supper. It does not quench physical hunger and it is not in response to any moral need. But it is commanded by God. It is a covenant meal (Matt. 26:28), a unity meal (Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:21), a memorial meal (1 Cor. 11:23-25), a communion meal (1 Cor. 10:16) and a proclamation meal (1 Cor. 11:26).

Thus, there is more to serving God that just being a good, moral person. One must also obey the positive commands of God. The Bible is clear about this. Some very good moral people are not acceptable to God because they do not obey His positive commands. Without faith it is impossible to please God (Heb. 11:6). We might ask ourselves "What does God want me to do?" Or "How does God want me to express my faith?" The only way we can know is to look into the inspired word of God.

According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue (2 Peter 1:3)

The command to be baptized in water (Acts 2:38; 10:47-48; 22:16) is, also, a positive, rather than a moral command.

The question then becomes whether the command to be baptized in water is given to alien sinners or to kingdom citizens. If it is given to kingdom citizens – those who have already been saved from past, alien sins – then those have been saved must be baptized in order to remain in a right relationship with God as faithful citizens in His kingdom.

If, on the other hand, the command to be baptized in water is given to alien sinners - as a condition of entrance into the kingdom of God - then they must obey the command in order to become kingdom citizens and are not kingdom citizens until they obey the command.

Jesus asks, "But why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and do not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46) Therefore, whatever He commands alien sinners to do must be done by them or He is not their Lord.

Does God have the right to test our faith? Does He have the right to test the faith of alien sinners? Surely, He does. He also has the right –and infinite wisdom - to determine how best to test it. It only remains, then, to see how God has determined to test the faith of an alien sinner. Consider the following dialogue.

There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, "Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him." Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born?" Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.' (John 3:1-7)

When a person is "born again" he is then “conveyed...into the kingdom of the Son of His love” (Col. 1:13). But one is “born again” when he is “born of water and the Spirit.” Certainly, then, the alien sinner must be born of water and the Spirit in order to enter into the kingdom of God.

[To be continued]

LOCAL AUTONOMY

By O. C. Birdwell

or some time, in most denominational religious bodies, there has been a fast moving trend toward modernism. This is especially true in the leadership of these bodies. The alleged support of revolution­ists, communists, and communist sympathizers by the World Council of Churches," a denominational re­ligious organization, demonstrates the extreme liberalism and modern­ism of which I speak.

Several months back I had a rather long conversation with a devoted Methodist of many years who is sick at heart because the Methodist church where he is a member is tied to the Methodist Conference and the Conference con­tinually backs such modernism. He said the local church could do nothing about it. They started out making a donation; now they are assessed! They sent a delegate to the Convention, but when he tried to speak he was ruled out of order. The people are told that they can support the Conference or get out! The Conference controls the buildings, built and paid for by local members, and all other assets. One can readily see why the man is so down and out. He spoke approvingly of the fact that we (he spoke of the congregation where I preached) are independent and not tied to any regional, na­tional, or international organi­zation. I told him we were this way because we believe it to be unscriptural to be any way but independent as a local congregation. &

IT IS CORBAN

By O. C. Birdwell

he Pharisees of Jesus' day, in order to avoid supporting their parents, would say, "That where­with thou mightest have been profited by me is given to God" (Matt. 15:5). This signified that an offering or sacrifice had been pledged thereby causing them to feel no obligation to their par­ents. Actually, in keeping with the tradition of the Pharisees, the gift might never be made. Just dedicating their possessions to the temple by saying "it is corban” (Matt. 15:5 KJV) would pro­hibit their using them for par­ental support (See Vine's Diction­ary, Vol. 1, p. 24; and I.S.B.E., Vol. 2, p. 709). This hypocriti­cal tradition that permitted neg­lect of parents was condemned by Jesus. Jesus said that through this process "he shall not honor his father" (v. 6). Man could not then, nor can he now, honor his parents by giving only lip service to their needs.

Social conditions of our day have tended to influence some to feel no direct responsibility to the needs of their parents. In some instances the tendency is to shift individual responsibility in caring for parents to benevo­lent organizations which in turn expect churches to finance their endeavors. A few years ago, a representative of one such organi­zation said they had among their number a man who was "not rich, but well off," and also the mother of a deacon who was abundantly able to provide for his own. Yet, this institution was requesting church donations for their facil­ities.

The fact that in our society there is a need for nursing homes and homes for the aged and that such can rightfully and advanta­geously be used in no sense places the financial endowment of such on the church. Providing for par­ents is the work of individuals and not the mission of the church. When there were saints in the early congregations who became the charge of the congregation they were provided for without the church donating to another institution (Acts 6:1; Tim. 5:16).

To the Ephesian Christians Paul said, "Honor thy father and mother (which is the first commandment with promise) that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth" (Eph. 6:2). Honor due parents includes respect which is impossible for one to have while neglecting the pro­vision of material assistance if such is needed, and if it is possible for the child to provide. Such honor should come from a heart of love and appreciation for all that is done by the par­ents for their children while they are unable to provide for themselves. Godly parents, be­cause of their deep love and con­cern, gladly provide for their children until they become of age. They will work tirelessly with their hands to provide food and clothing; stand anxiously night after night over a sick bed; and protect their children from all possible harm even to the giving of their own lives if need be. When such loving parents become aged and are in need, the same type tender care should be given them that they once bestowed. Any person who would not so honor his father and mother is a slacker and an ingrate. [Via Bible Facts, June, 1974] &