_What is that Word of God?_

It is that which our Lord Jesus Christ spoke, as it is recorded in the
last chapter of Matthew, verse 19: "Go ye, and teach (make disciples of)
all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and
of the Holy Ghost."

* * * * *

WHAT BAPTISM IS.

Baptism consists in applying water to a person "in the name of the
Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost," as Christ has commanded.
[Matt. 28:19]

BAPTISM IS NOT SIMPLY WATER. In one sense, indeed, the water used in
baptism is simply ordinary water from well, cistern, or stream; [Acts
8:36] but when used in baptism it ceases to be simply water, and
possesses special value and power, because

IT IS THE WATER COMPREHENDED IN GOD'S COMMAND. The water of baptism is a
water which God has commanded us to use,--His command being, "Go ye and
make disciples of all nations, baptizing them," etc.

AND CONNECTED WITH GOD'S WORD. In baptism, water is applied "in the name
of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost"; and thus it is used
in connection, with the very words of Christ Himself. The water and the
Word together make the sacrament.

ITS NECESSITY. Baptism is necessary for all, because Christ has