Chapter I

Baptism is a symbol of grace, not an infallible passport to the kingdom of God. It is the answer of a good conscience toward God; it signifies the cleansing from sin, which can only be accomplished by the blood of Jesus Christ This ordinance is further described as a type of the resurrection from sin to a life of holiness, “that as Christ was raised from the dead, we also might walk in newness of life.” It is therefore an ordinance for the person believing in the Christ. He thus expresses faith in Him. It is not held by us as necessary to salvation; consequently we do not baptize the dying, or those who by reason of sickness or of age, cannot comply with the command.