Why Rebaptism?
There exists in nature an intriguing phenomenon known as “bioluminescence.” The name is derived from “bios,” meaning “living,” and “lumen” meaning “light.” This unusual quality possessed by light-emitting forms of life exists in certain flora and fauna such as fireflies, glowworms, and foxfire fungi.
The need for this extraordinary “glowing” appears to be much greater in places where life exists in the midst of darkness. For example, although the firefly lives in areas with a typical day/night ratio, this bioluminescent creature only begins to emit light after sunset. Likewise, the various forms of marine life believed to produce some type of bioluminescence usually consist of species native to the darkest depths of the sea, where very little sunlight penetrates.
Just as natural bioluminescence is remarkable because of its light-emitting ability, the people of God on this sin-darkened planet are uniquely called to be “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). As we will see in this issue of the Reformation Herald, according to Deuteronomy 7:6-8; 10:15, this is neither due to any innate superiority in them nor partiality on the part of God. Rather it is a calling based on a need. In this dark era of earth’s history, while moral decadence prevails, we are called to develop holiness of character and moral perfection, developed by obedience to the Creator’s will and ways.
“Let us relate ourselves to God in self-denying, self-sacrificing obedience. Faith in Christ always leads to willing, cheerful obedience. . . . There is to be perfect conformity, in thought, word, and deed, to the will of God. Heaven is only for those who have purified their souls through obedience to the truth.”1
The servant of the Lord describes an interesting vision of a map of the world. This map represented God’s vineyard to be cultivated, and all who received light from heaven were to reflect it to others. The description is as follows:
“I saw jets of light shining from cities and villages, and from the high places and the low places of the earth. God’s word was obeyed, and as a result there were memorials for Him in every city and village. His truth was proclaimed throughout the world.
“Then this map was removed and another put in its place. On it light was shining from a few places only. The rest of the world was in darkness, with only a glimmer of light here and there. Our Instructor said: ‘This darkness is the result of men’s following their own course. They have cherished hereditary and cultivated tendencies to evil. They have made questioning and faultfinding and accusing the chief business of their lives. Their hearts are not right with God. They have hidden their light under a bushel.’
“If every soldier of Christ had done his duty, if every watchman on the walls of Zion had given the trumpet a certain sound, the world might ere this have heard the message of warning. But the work is years behind. While men have slept, Satan has stolen a march upon us.
“Putting our trust in God, we are to move steadily forward, doing His work with unselfishness, in humble dependence upon Him, . . . remembering that it is not because of our worthiness that we receive the blessings of heaven, but because of the worthiness of Christ, and our acceptance, through faith in Him, of God’s abounding grace.”2
“The last rays of merciful light, the last message of mercy to be given to the world, is a revelation of His character of love. The children of God are to manifest His glory. In their own life and character they are to reveal what the grace of God has done for them.”3
Indeed, through the love of Christ shining in our hearts and radiating outward, our life can actually “glow in the dark”! This spiritual bioluminescence will radiate to outshine the bleakest midnight.