The efficacy of baptism is not tied to that moment of time wherein it is administered; yet, notwithstanding, by the right use of this ordinance, the grace promised is not only offered, but really exhibited, and conferred, by the Holy Ghost, to such (whether of age or infants) as that grace belongeth unto, according to the counsel of God's own will, in his appointed time.On June 6, 2004, Rev. David A. Bass applied the waters of baptism to our son Arnold (he'd be the one in red there). The grace offered and exhibited to him then was conferred to him recently. This morning, he made his public profession of faith and was made a member of the fellowship the rest of us joined last year.
Again, seeing this was a privilege I don't deserve. Helping him to this stage has been a blessing (though, honestly, not one I always remember to see as such). He took a big step in improving his baptism this morning, but he has many others before him, Lord willing. Hopefully, his mother and I can continue to help him in this lifelong effort, but our hope and trust is that he who began a good work in Arnold will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
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This is just me talking about my convictions. This is not a reflection of the beliefs of the Fellowship to which I currently belong. In the incredibly unlikely event that any other member of this Fellowship is reading this, do know that I am not seeking to foment any type of rebellion against the statement of faith there. If God, in His mercy, grants a change in the Fellowship's position on the sacrament, I will welcome it, but I will not have had a hand in it beyond my prayers that He would sanctify the body by His truth.
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