How to Improve Our Baptism
T. Manton. Mark 1:10 And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending on him: To quicken you to improve your baptism consider — I. BAPTISM IS A PERPETUAL BOND OBLIGING US TO REPENTANCE AND A HOLY LIFE (Romans 6:2-4; Colossians 3:8, 9). II. THE IMPROVEMENT OF BAPTISM IS THE BEST PREPARATION OF THE LORD'S SUPPER (John 13:8). Before the Church, none but baptized persons have a right to the Lord's Table; before God, none but those who have the fruit of baptism have a right to the benefit thereof. III. IF WE IMPROVE IT NOT, BAPTISM WILL BE A WITNESS AGAINST US. One Elpidophorus relapsed into Arianism, and the deacon who baptized him showed him the garments in which he had been baptized, and said, "These shall be a witness against thee to all eternity." But how shall we improve it? 1. We must personally and solemnly own the covenant made with God in infancy. What was then done for us must now be done by us. 2. Renew often the sense of obligation to God, and keep a constant reckoning of obedience (2 Peter 1:9). 3. Use frequent self-reflection to know whether you are indeed washed from the guilt and filth of sin (1 Corinthians 6:11). 4. Use it as a great help in all temptations (1 Corinthians 6:15). Dionysia comforted her son Majoricus, an African martyr, with this speech, "Remember, my son, that thou art baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, and be constant." Luther, when tempted to despair, used to say, "I am baptized, and believe in Christ crucified." (T. Manton.) Parallel Verses KJV: And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: WEB: Immediately coming up from the water, he saw the heavens parting, and the Spirit descending on him like a dove.