In The Master's Service

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THE OLD BAPTIST TEST

Section 10
Application of Proof to the Subject

Elder John M. Watson

And there shall be ONE FOLD and ONE SHEPHERD. Observe, Christ speaks as authoritatively and explicitly about this as he did about bringing in the "other sheep;" one is as certain as the other. Hence, we learn that these "other sheep," when brought in, belong to one fold only. I mean in an open manifest manner. Will Christ be shepherd of any Other fold but this one? If there be two folds there must be two shepherds, and two flocks! We cannot, therefore, treat of but one. Great as were the characteristic distinctions between the Jews and Gentiles, between the Romans, Greeks, bondsmen and freemen, they all became one in Christ and the "sheep" of one fold; and are fed on the one Plant. "The Plant of renown." The religious and national differences between the Jews and Gentiles were great and strong, yet they met together in this one fold, in spiritual agreement and union! Where all religious distinctions between Jew Greek, circumcision, uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bond and free, were reduced to a Christian oneness.

To excite a personal interest in this subject, I will remark, that if we have been brought in by Christ, as some of his "other sheep," we belong to this "one fold," for there is no other. How shall we tell, amidst the vast amount of church agenda as to whether we belong visibly to this one fold or not? Only by searching out its signs. These may be found in the New Testament. They do not justify the distinctions of Methodists, Episcopalians, Presbyterians and Baptists. These distinctions cannot be predicated of the Bible. They have come in from other sources, and greatly disturb the harmony and peace of the one fold.

The Church, as a body, can only manifest its existence by the signs or outward practices which Christ ordained. No others belong to this one fold. Believers may be hidden under Protestant agenda; and may belong mystically and spiritually, but not openly and manifestively to it.

We had just as well say that there are two Lords, as that there are two faiths and two baptisms! For the word of God teaches us that there is "one Lord, one faith, one baptism." Yet many kinds of faith and of baptism are advocated and accredited by many!

There is but one head, one spirit, and one rule, and we had just as well contend for two heads and two spirits as to contend for two rules or constitutions for this one fold! I mean in point of consistency.

This one fold is the Church of God. Where is it! is a question almost hopelessly asked by many! They who are born again, maintain the truths of the Gospel in their expositions of them, employ the ordinances as instituted by Christ, obey his commandments, and keep the unity of the spirit in the bonds of peace, when associated together in an assembly, constitute a visible church.

Let us attend carefully to these particulars. They are of God, and deserve our most profound consideration. Without them there can be no visible church.

The birth of the spirit is indispensable; without which these outward things will be, of no avail; with it their advantages are too great and useful to be neglected, or to be superseded by any kind of substitutes.

BAPTISM. This has been bound on earth, and is bound in Heaven, and who has attempted to loosen it on earth? The sprinkler, I reply! How presumptuous is that man who tampers with things bound in Heaven! To contend for two baptisms would be as absurd as to contend for two folds for one baptism. This oneness must be maintained on earth for it is bound as one in Heaven. Besides, this one baptism can be received only in the following manner. From the hands of a proper administrator, through the faith of the operation of God, in a burial in, and resurrection from, the water. Col 2:12; Ro 6:3-5. This is the manner in which these "other sheep" were manifested by baptism. Not one of them was sprinkled, not one of them was baptized in their infancy. They belonged to one fold, and were subject to one Shepherd; and he enjoined but one Baptism, and gave but one faith, the faith of God's elect. When baptism is received "through the faith of the operation of God," it must be the one baptism, which the one Shepherd ordained for the one fold. No other can be received in that way. We must preserve with great care in our teaching the one faith, and the one baptism, or we shall not maintain the one Lord, nor the one fold. To get another baptism I will have to go out of this fold in pursuit of it; it can not be found in the one fold. I may find it among the human agenda of the times; and then it would not be another, only as it might pertain to another Gospel and to another fold.

As there is but one baptism it is strange that they who are inwardly Christians should differ so greatly about it. It cannot be in consequence of defective teachings on the subject in the word of God. Shall that teach us that there is but one baptism, and then fail to let us know what is that one baptism? No, verily, for the latter as well as the former is so plainly taught, that I think no sprinkler who is inwardly a Christian can read the teachings of the word of God on that subject, and feel the answer of a good conscience. I do not think that the Christian's conscience ever becomes seared, so as not to respond to plain duties enjoined by the Lord; but by crafty devices, the conscience may be quieted from time to time. Reader, art thou in this condition? Grieve not thy conscience, lest you grieve the Holy Spirit!