"No Candid Mind Could Misunderstand"
So simple are many statements in the Scriptures that a person needs more help to misunderstand than to understand them. Many of these simple statements are misunderstood, and it is certain that those who misunderstand them have had help — help from an educated "clergy" who through sophistry have blinded their hearts to the truth. The most glaring examples of this relate to the nature and design of baptism. The following quotation concerning the nature of baptism states precisely what I mean.
"What idea could the apostle have had as to the nature of baptism, when in two of his epistles he alludes to it as a burial except that it was a dipping in water? To the Romans he says: 'Therefore we are buried with him, by baptism, into death" (Rom. 6:4). To the Colossians, in nearly the same language, "Buried with him in baptism" (Col. 2:12). No one can misunderstand the meaning of these words. Neither sprinkling, pouring, washing, cleansing — nothing but a complete submersion — can represent a burial. And no candid mind could misunderstand such language, unless blinded or biased by prejudice, education, or sophistical reasoning from others." (This last emphasis mine -LAS) (The Standard Manual For Baptist Churches, Edward T. Hiscox, p. 93)
In similar words, the same can be said regarding the design of baptism. What idea could the New Testament have had as to the design of baptism, when in so many places it says baptism is for salvation or the remission of sins. To the apostles Jesus said: "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved." (Mark 16:16) To the Jews on the day of Pentecost Peter said, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins." (Acts 2:38) To Paul Ananias said: "And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." (Acts 22:16) Finally, Peter said: "The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us." (I Peter 3:21) In spite of all these simple statements, the Baptists declare that "baptism is not essential to salvation." (I Bid. p. 20) In the words of their MANUAL, we reply that "no candid mind could misunderstand such language, unless blinded or biased by prejudice, education, or sophistical reasoning from others." Also, we ask the Baptists, in the words of Paul, "Thou therefore which teachest another, teachest thou not thyself?" (Rom. 2:21)
To misunderstand the nature or design of baptism you need help — help which we are unwilling to give. Baptism is a burial in water for the remission of sins. This the Bible teaches.