Questions of Religion.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 26 November 1913, Page 3

Questions of Religion.

RE BAPTISM.

TO THE EDITOK,

Sir—Another thing which divides Christians into separate companies, is the different view's held by them concerning the ordinance of Baptism. As with the Sabbath question, these contrary ideas could not have arisen because of

any contradictory teaching in the \ Bible, for no part of the Bible another part. No doubt there are many reasons why such conflicting theories abound, and we have no right to judge the secret thoughts of our fellow-creatures, but it is to be hoped, that most of those who teach and practice differently to the instruction found in God's word is because their attention has never been called to the Scriptures which make the matter clear. We should follow the good example of those earnest Christians of Berea, who, daily searched the Scriptures as to whether these things were so" — Acts 17.11. The time is near, when the line will be drawn " between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God, and him that serveth Him not "—Mai 3.18. Rev 13.8. There are those who teach infant baptism " and ' other kinds of baptism having no foundation in the Bible. Let us examine these matters, and put away our differences before the return of our Saviour. Some • there are who do not teach baptism at all. Jesus says. " Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you," —Matt 28.20. Baptism is one of the things Jesus has commanded—Mark 16.16. The true Church which is looking for the soon coming of Christ will not leave things undone, for it is said of them :- —" here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus" —Revelation 14.12. I am sure there are some of God's children who will be glad to be reminded of these things, so they may help to bring about the union of all true believers, for which Jesus so earnestly prayed — John 17.21/22. I shall be glad, Mr Editor if you will allow space for a few passages of Scripture dealing with the significance and proper mode of Baptism. lam etc, GEO. JOHNSON, Parkhurst.