The ordinances of baptism and the Lord's Supper are two monumental pillars, one without and one within the church. Upon these ordinances Christ has inscribed the name of the true God.
Christ has made baptism the sign of entrance to His spiritual kingdom. He has made this a positive condition with which all must comply who wish to be acknowledged as under the authority of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Before man can find a home in the church, before passing the threshold of God's spiritual kingdom, he is to receive the impress of the divine name, "The Lord our Righteousness." Jeremiah 23:6.
Baptism is a most solemn renunciation of the world.
Those who are baptised in the threefold name of the
Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, at the very entrance
of their Christian life declare publicly that they have
forsaken the service of Satan and have become members of
the royal family, children of the heavenly King. They
have obeyed the command: "Come out from among
them, and be ye separate, . . . and touch not the unclean
thing." And to them is fulfilled the promise: "I will
receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall
be My sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty."
2 Corinthians 6: 17, 18.