nothing more than a _figure_ of our death and resurrection, by _which_
we manifest our _faith_ in the resurrection of the dead, by which
_faith_ our hearts are baptized into the spirit and truth of the
gospel of Christ.

Paul says, I Cor. xv:29 "Else what shall they do, which are baptized
for the dead, if the dead rise not at all? Why are they then baptized
for the dead?" Baptism being only a _figure_ of our death and
resurrection, is perhaps, in a gospel sense, of but little consequence
to christians in the present day.

Christ went to John and was baptized of him in Jordan. His being put
under water signified his death, when the condemning power of the law
under the first dispensation should lose its force--and his being
raised out of the water signified his resurrection from the cold
Jordan of death to immortal life in the kingdom of God, where the
victory shall be sung over _death and sin_; and over the _law_ which
"is the strength of sin." Having passed in figure through his own
death and resurrection, and having manifested to man that he was
baptized by the Holy Spirit into the faith and "powers of the world to
come," he perfectly lived up to his obligation, by never committing
one sin. He went through life free from transgression as though he
were already in eternity. When his crucifixion hour approached, he
said, [Luke xii:50] "I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how am
I straitened" [Greek--pained] "till it be accomplished." Here he had
reference to his being buried in death, (which was to be attended with
extreme sufferings) and rising again from it, which would be the
_reality_ of which his baptism in Jordan was but a _figure_.

To be put under water signifies our _death_, and to be raised out