It was "into Moses" the Jews were immersed;¹ but it is "into Christ" that all believers, whether Jews or Gentiles, are to be baptized. Of course those that are persuaded that Jesus is the only Saviour of the world are willing to confess him, and to submit to him as the commander of the people.

      When, then, the believers are led to the water, the preacher demands of them a confession of their faith in the person and mission of Jesus the Nazarene. Immediately before their burial they confess him to be the Son of God, as to his person; and the Messiah, as to his office. The question proposed is always in substance, "Do you believe that Jesus of Nazareth is the Son of God, the Messiah?" Each individual believer, to whom personally, and not in the aggregate, the question is tendered, answers distinctly in the affirmative. True it is, that "with the heart a man believes to righteousness," and "with his mouth he confesses to salvation."

      The immerser then taking him into the water, or bath, says, "By the authority of the Lord, you are immersed into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit." So saying, he buries him in the water and raises him up again. He does not plunge him precipitately, but gently lays him down, and as gently raises him up.

      There is no ambiguity or falsehood in saying, "By the authority of the Lord you are immersed;" but there may be, and, no doubt, often is, in saying, "I immerse you." The Romanists make the authority of the Lord apply emphatically to I; we, in this case, make it apply to you. It is certain that every one who confesses that Jesus is the Son of God and the Messiah, is immersed by the authority, or "in the name of the Lord;" but it is not equally certain that A B does it by the authority of the Lord as respects his call and mission. This may be regarded as hypercritical: be it so, if any one pleases. It is, however, true. And if we be zealous for all that is comely and true, why not practise all that is true and comely? Very often, indeed, it is true of the baptizer and the baptized, that the baptism is, as respects both, by the authority of the Lord. But it is always true that he who confesses the faith of the gospel and his determination to obey the Lord, is immersed by the authority of the Lord, whoever may immerse him. [148]

      It is in good order that thanks be offered to the Lord, and his favor implored on the new converts after they are born of water. And certainly those who are glad may always sing. Prayer and praise are therefore always comely on such joyful occasions. For if on all occasions and for all favors received we are to offer our thanks to the Father of mercies, it is neither inexpedient nor improper on a baptismal occasion to raise our thank-offerings to the heavens.

[A. C.]      

Source:

Alexander Campbell. "Order--As Respects Baptism." The Millennial Harbinger Extra 6 (October 1835): 525-526.

[MHA2 148-149]