[4] Matt. 28:20. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. John 13:15.
[5] 1 Cor. 14:12. Seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church.
[6] Phil. 1:1. With the bishops and deacons. Acts 14:23, 15:22. 1 Tim. 3, Titus 1.
xiv. christian baptism
We believe the Scriptures teach that Christian baptism is the immersion in water of a believer in Christ,[1] into the name of the Father, and Son, and Holy Ghost;[2] to show forth in a solemn and beautiful emblem his faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, with its effect, in His death to sin and resurrection to a new life;[3] that it is prerequisite to the privileges of a church relation, and to the Lord’s Supper.[4]
[1] Acts 8:36–39. And the eunuch said, See, here is water: what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thy heart, thou mayest. . . . And they went down into the water, both Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. Matt. 3:5, 6; John 3:22, 23; 4:1, 2; Matt. 28:19.
[2] Matt. 28:19. Baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Acts 10:47, 48; Gal. 3:27, 28.
[3] Rom. 6:4. 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. Col. 2:12.
[4] Acts 2:41, 42. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized, and there were added to them, the same day, about three thousand souls. And they continued steadfastly in the Apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. Matt. 28:19, 20.
xv. the lord’s supper