THOSE WHO HAVE DIED WITHOUT BAPTISM.
If this ordinance is so essential to salvation, it might be asked, what becomes of those good people who die without baptism, not knowing it is necessary? Will they be lost? It might also be asked, What will become of those good people who die without believing on the Lord Jesus Christ, never having heard of Him? Let the scriptures answer these questions:
"And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil." (John 3: 19).
"Where no law is, there is no transgression." (Romans 4: 15).
"For sin is the transgression of the law." (I John 3: 4).
"That servant which knew his Lord's will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required." (Luke 12: 47, 48).
These passages of scripture are sufficient to make it clear that people are not condemned until they, after having the privilege of complying with the law of God, reject it. The Lord in His infinite mercy has provided means by which all who die without the privilege of hearing and obeying the Gospel may be saved by future compliance.[[1]]
But those who do hear it and refuse to obey its teachings simply because other good people before them who died without the opportunity did not comply with them in this life, will surely be under condemnation.
BAPTISM A TEST OF OBEDIENCE.
The fact that baptism is a commandment of God should be enough to convince any one that it must be observed. It is not an unreasonable requirement. The Lord promises salvation to those who obey Him. Baptism is one of the tests of obedience. Nothing but a lack of faith, repentance and humility will cause one to object to baptism. An unwillingness to submit to baptism is a proof that faith and repentance have not been complied with. Baptism therefore serves as a test of one's faith and repentance, just as repentance is a test of faith. A spirit of repentance and humility proves that we have faith; and an honest desire to accept baptism proves that we manifest faith, repentance and humility.
When these three rules or principles have been sincerely obeyed we are prepared for the next one. By complying with it the Lord's approval of our course is to be received.
THE FOURTH RULE—LAYING ON OF HANDS.
Following the ordinance of baptism by immersion in water for the remission of sins, is that of laying on of hands for the reception of the Holy Ghost. The manner of conferring the Holy Ghost in the days of the apostles was by the ordinance of laying on of hands, as the following passages will show: