“’The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,’” read Kate Newby.

“This makes it plain,” said Robert.  “Water cannot wash away sins except in a figurative way.  It is the blood that cleanses.  Read Rev. 1:5 (last sentence), and Col. 1:15.”

“’Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,’” read Mary Davis.  “This is Rev. 1:5.  Col. 1:14 says, ’In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.’”

“Robert, what church do you belong to?” asked Jake finally.

“I am not a member of any denomination,” said Robert, “but recently through a study of the Bible, I have become convinced that these denominations are not right, and that we should get back to the Bible in name, faith, and practice.  I do not see any church that tallies with the church of the New Testament; so I am waiting and praying for God to establish a real New Testament church in this community.  By the way, Jake, we found that the Bible name for the church is the church of God.  We have had a religious paper coming to us, which is published in the interests of the church of God.  Maybe this is what we are looking for.  Jake, let us seek for the truth.”

“I will, Robert,” said Jake.  “I am dissatisfied with my religion.  Really, I doubt if ever I was converted.”

“God bless you, Jake,” said Robert, “the Lord has a real experience of salvation for you.  Come to Him, repent, and believe.  Get under the blood.  Amen.”

After a blessed service of prayer and singing some of the good old soul-cheering songs, Robert and Mary Davis went home.

It was the beginning of a new era in the Jake Newby home.

CHAPTER TEN

FALSE GUIDES APPEAR IN BETHANY

It often happens when people become awakened to the fact that they are below the standard of Christianity and do not as yet see or know what to do, that they become ensnared in destructive doctrines.  Having loosed from their old moorings and not having reached a peaceful haven, they drift about, sometimes at the mercy of every wind that blows.  When the truth of the gospel begins to appear then the great enemy, Satan, sows his tares, for the ground is then broken up.

Robert Davis’ debates at the schoolhouse, his confession, and his private conversations on the Scriptures, were like rays of light shooting through the rifts in the clouds of the sky.  The town of Bethany had never heard such doctrines as Robert was upholding.  And even to Robert himself they had not yet been formed into a coherent system of Bible teaching.  Several things were still mysteries to him.

Jake Newby and his family were in this partly awakened condition.  They had lost confidence in the church to which they belonged, but they did not see the light clearly.  They were seekers after the truth.