only" as the single
requirement of conversion. We are "justified by
faith" (Rom. 5:1), but in such passages "faith"
(trust) is used in an inclusive sense — the attitude or frame
of mind toward Jesus Christ by which all of His commands must be
obeyed. We do His bidding, trusting not in ourselves, but
in His sacrifice on our behalf. James says "faith without
works is dead" (Jas. 2:20-26).
Can
we not "throw God's mantle of grace" over such cases?
What God does with such cases is His business. It is certainly
not my prerogative to cast His "mantle" —
whatever that is. According to His word, He exercised His grace
in giving us His Son. He teaches us by His grace (Titus 2:11-)
and His teaching says that remission of sins and the new state
are at the point of baptism rather than before. That is all I
have the right to tell any man, healthy — sick — or dying.
ALL
MEN ARE DYING, and our concern should be expressed in keeping
with the word of God while they are yet able to accept and obey
Him. There is no valid reason to believe that a "death
bed" wish that one had gotten married, gone to
Cincinnati or had obeyed the gospel, can make a husband, Buckeye
visitor, or Christian.
1
Cor. 15:30 is a continuing part of v. 29; i.e., those
"baptized for the dead" stand in jeopardy because of
their deed. They have been baptized (on behalf of their own
coming death, in preparation for judgment), and their acceptance
of Christ, brings persecution upon them. This teaches us to be
baptized before death.
