Tenth reason: Where there is no baptism, there is no assembly of believers, no brother and sister, no ecclesial fellowship. There must be some visible testimony or witness by which brethren and sisters may recognize one another. By submitting to baptism, a man submits himself to brethren, sisters, the ecclesia or fraternity of believers; and they have the right, if he transgresses, to admonish, exclude and restore him. This is not the case with those who are outside the fellowship of baptized believers. Hear what Paul says of those: "What have I to do with those outside, that I should judge them? Do you not judge those that are within? But God will judge those who are outside" (1 Corinthians 5:12-13). This power of discipline is derived solely from the fact that by baptism in water, members have been incorporated into the church.

Eleventh reason: Baptism received by a heretic is no baptism, for heretics are outside the Faith. Consequently they cannot be admitted into the community of Christians, nor have opened to them the doors of the true ecclesia with the keys given by Christ. Since, throughout history, many who profess to be Christians prove by their words and actions to be idolators, false prophets, deceivers, antiChrists and heretics, how can one receive from them any baptism they offer, or infant sprinkling, and esteem it to be valid?

Twelfth reason: It is an undeniable fact that John the Baptist was sent by God to baptize. Nevertheless, all whom John baptized had to be baptized again by the baptism of Christ. This is clearly shown in Acts 19. Paul found some disciples in Ephesus who had received John's baptism. When Paul had instructed them, they were baptized "in the name of the Lord Jesus". What do you think moved and inspired these twelve men to undergo the baptism of Christ after they had already received the baptism of John? Surely nothing less than that clear, serious command of Christ referred to in Matthew 28, Mark 16 and Acts 2. It follows therefore that all of us who were christened in infancy are still even more under an obligation to be baptized aright than those Ephesians. For we can show no letter, no ground, no command in Scripture for infant sprinkling.

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Thirteenth reason: Baptism was given for the forgiveness of sins. Not that the remission of sins depends on water: it depends on the virtue of Christ. Whoever believes in the Word of God enters the Ark of Noah, which is used by Peter as a figure of baptism (1 Peter 3:21). He who is outside this ark will be damned in the Flood of sin. He who resists does not resist man (for we are not our own) but the Lord.

So receive, dear friend, these thirteen testimonies. They are put here for you. if you are offended at them, or reject them, you are guilty, not God. He made them. He has done His part. The gospel has been preached to you. You alone will be answerable in the Day of Judgment. The Truth is immortal. 128