That water baptism, circumcision and many other ceremonies were ordained
of God for Israel is evident from Scripture. That these ordinances were
fulfilled in Christ is to us likewise evident. He took them out of the
way and nailed them to his cross; still they were permitted for a time
unto Israel and we do not presume to deny their permission to some even
until now, for "a thousand years with the Lord is as but one day."[238]
As children of the light, we ever respect and regard every manifestation
of that light to mankind in all ages of the world, whether to Jew or
Gentile or to people unknown.
We realize that there has been an increased revelation of this divine
light, and believe, as our Saviour taught,[239] that it will continue to
increase as we are able to bear it, and in proportion to this increase
will symbols and sacraments pass away.
How can we doubt that our Saviour, with his last words here upon earth,
had in view his own glorious baptism of the Holy Spirit[240] when he
commanded his apostles to preach among all nations repentance and
remission of sin, in his name with power from on high?
This power from on high was the baptism of the Holy Spirit which he
promised his apostles and disciples when he said, "John indeed baptized
with water, but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit."[241]
They had to be baptized with this baptism themselves before they could
go teach all nations baptizing them. Power from on high was the one
requisite to administer this baptism.[242] They had baptized with water
before this power was fully given at Pentecost and continued to baptize
in the same way after Pentecost[243] but this power is never mentioned in
connection with water baptism. It is, however, frequently mentioned in
connection with preaching the Gospel.
These same conditions have continued until now. Power from on high is
not yet necessary to administer water baptism but it is indispensable to
preaching the Gospel.
Altho' this power came in fulness at Pentecost, yet Paul and legions
more have received this power since Pentecost.
Farrar says[244]: This miracle is not transient but is continuously
renewed. Not to a narrow apostilate in an upper chamber at Jerusalem. It
is a vivifying wind that breathes henceforth in all ages. It revived a
world. It is the power of an endless life. A tide of light which is
rolling and shall roll from shore to shore until the Earth is full of
the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea: in this aspect
the outward symbol _sinks into subordinate importance_.
We think: In this aspect the outward symbol _sinks entirely_.
There are many Scripture testimonies that the apostles were instrumental
in baptizing with the Holy Spirit.
To strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Asia, Cappadocea,
and Bythima the Gospel was preached "with the Holy Spirit sent down from
Heaven."[245]
Were not these scattered strangers of many lands baptized with the Holy
Spirit through Gospel preaching as Christ intended when he commissioned
his disciples to go teach all nations, baptizing?
By Paul's ministry the Thessalonians received the Gospel with power and
with the Holy Spirit.[246]
Paul preached to the Corinthians; not with the enticing words of man's
wisdom but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.[247]
As Christ commissioned his apostles so Paul preached with power from on
high.[248]
As Peter preached to the household of Cornelius the Holy Spirit fell
upon all who heard.[249]
This household of Cornelius to whom Peter preached, the Thessalonians
and Corinthians to whom Paul preached and the scattered strangers who
received the Gospel with the Holy Spirit sent down from Heaven and hosts
more not mentioned were all baptized with the Holy Spirit through
Gospel preaching as Christ intended when he commanded his apostles.