Never in Church history has the information concerning baptism been made so clear as in the writings of Pastor Russell. He has made it plain from Scriptural comparison that in Christian baptism:

(1) Water baptism is a symbol with no inherent merit.
(2) Baptism is correctly immersion, not sprinkling.
(3) Baptism is to be performed only upon those who have made an intelligent, personal, and unreserved consecration to do God’s will.
(4) Immersion represents participation in Christ’s death.

Perhaps most unique is Bro. Russell’s insight into the meaning and purpose and limits of John the Baptist’s baptism. To summarize:

(1) John’s baptism was only for Jews.
(2) John’s baptism and its privileges expired at the end of the 70 weeks of the prophecy of Daniel 9:24-27
(i.e, 36 AD).
(3) Jesus’ disciples administered John’s baptism up to that date.
(4) Prior to 36 AD, all baptisms (except Jesus’ in Jordan) were John’s baptism.
(5) John’s baptism was for the purpose of returning Jews to favor under the yet functioning Law Covenant so that they could receive Messiah (the greater than Moses) and be transferred into him (with no additional baptism).

These points are revolutionary in the history of this doctrine. Additional truths made plain are:

(1) The “baptism of the holy Spirit” was a phenomenon of only two occasions, (a) Pentecost, (b) the house of Cornelius. Its purpose was to demonstrate God’s acceptance of both Jews and Gentiles into the body of Christ. At other times, the gifts of the Spirit could be conferred only by the hands of the apostles.
(2) The “baptism of fire” was a symbol for the destruction of that part of the Jewish nation which rejected Messiah. It was not personal, but a national judgment or destruction.
(3) The “remission of sins” was an integral part of John’s baptism. It was not a part of Christian baptism. Gentiles and post 36 AD Jewish converts did have their sins remitted by their faith in the blood, but not by baptism. (Acts 10:43) This is a subtle but scripturally sound distinction.
(4) John’s and Jesus’ disciples, baptizing at the same time, were not in competition. They both were administering the same rite which was actually beginning the work of the new age. (John 1:31,Ac 10:36- 37,Ac 13:23-25,Ac 19:4)
(5) Baptism “in Jesus’ name” before 36 AD was yet John’s baptism. This phrase simply intensified the concept of transfer from Moses into Christ.

A review of 81539 and 85962 will be helpful to all in absorbing the epitome of Bro. Russell’s findings on the doctrine of baptism.

Following is an exhaustive list of texts containing the word baptism. This list has been divided into categories of the word’s usage, with helpful summary notes. These categorized scriptures should be convincing as to the accuracy of Pastor Russell’s exposition of baptism.

– David Doran

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