Correspondence

 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 5
5. R. D., Cornhill.—Water was the element of death which covered the old world in the days of Noah—the judgment of God on a world of sin. Eight souls were saved by water. Baptism is a figure of our salvation. With our Noah, Jesus, we pass through death into resurrection. As you say, the judgment of God fell on our Holy Substitute, Jesus; and rising out of death, there is no more judgment on Him; and therefore no condemnation to us who believe in Him. Thus it is not the washing of baptism that gives us the good conscience, but the resurrection of Jesus Christ who is gone into heaven. He has been raised from death and judgment, and, passed above all heavens, is Head of the church. Baptism is a most striking figure of our identification with Him. Buried once unto His death, now forever one with Him in resurrection. As He (lied only once, and rose again, so there is one baptism. The believer is buried once in water; and then forever out. We have not to die, or be buried again; we reckon ourselves dead with Him, and alive again. It is very blessed when. once the figure of baptism is understood.