The safety of appearing at the day of judgement, in the righteousness of Christ

1. This appears, because by baptism is held forth our fellowship with Christ in his sufferings, that is signified thereby, that we have an interest in the virtue of his sufferings; that his sufferings are made over unto us, that we do participate in the good and benefit of them, Rom. 6 3. so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ, were baptized into his death; there was sealed up unto us the virtue and efficacy of his death: therefore verse 4. we are said to be buried with him by baptism into death: the like expression you have, Col. 2.12. we are thereby partakers of his sufferings, as if we our selves had suffered: and if this be held forth, then our justification and reconciliation is held forth: for that is procured by the sufferings of Christ, Rom. 5.10. we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son. 2. Baptism is appointed to be a seal to this doctrine of faith in the righteousness of Christ; 'tis a confirmation of this doctrine, and the covenant of God to give salvation through faith in Christ: and therefore it was John the Baptists manner before he baptized persons, to teach them that they must believe ⟨p. 143⟩on Christ, Acts 19.4, 5. and the Apostles and Apostolical men would not baptize any adult persons, but such as professed to believe on Christ, Acts 8 36, 37. and indeed when persons do subject themselves unto this ordinance of baptism, they do acknowledge that doctrine of salvation by Christ: and therefore in that promise which Christ puts into the mouths of the Apostles, when he sends them to preach the Gospel, he makes mention of baptism, Mark 16.16. he that believeth and is baptized, shall be saved; Baptism is mentioned as the evidence of Faith. 3. Because Baptism represents and shows forth the washing away the guilt of our sins by the blood of Christ. This is held forth in that 1 Pet. 3.21. 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 towards God by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: For the opening of this plead you may mind, 1. That the Ark spoken of, ver. 20. was a Type of Christ; therefore Baptism is said to be a like figure: the Ark wherein Noah's Family was preserved in time of the deluge typified our Salvation by the Lord Jesus: