Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland

Reformed in Doctrine, Worship, and Practice

“Thou hast given a banner to them that fear thee, that it may be displayed because of the truth.” Psalm 60:4

  • Contact Us
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Who We Are
    • What We Contend For
    • What We Believe
    • How We Worship
    • How We Are Organised
    • Important Documents
    • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Articles
  • Publications
    • Free Presbyterian Magazine
    • Young People’s Magazine
    • Gaelic Supplement – An Earrann Ghàidhlig
    • Synod Reports
    • Religion and Morals Committee Reports
  • Audio
    • Sermons
    • Theological Conferences
    • Youth Conferences
  • Congregations
    • Places of Worship
    • Current Ministers
    • Galleries of FP Churches
  • International
    • Zimbabwe Mission
    • Other International Congregations
    • Translation Work
    • Metrical Psalms in Various Languages
  • History
    • History of the FP Church
    • Congregational Histories
    • Deceased Ministers and Probationers
    • Obituaries and Synod Tributes
    • Moderators of Synod etc.
  • Spiritual Help
    • How to Find Spiritual Help
    • How may a sinner be saved?
    • How may someone know if they are truly saved?
    • Spiritual Mindedness
    • Scripture and Catechism Exercises 2021-22
  • Bookshop
Home / Publications / Free Presbyterian Magazine / 1998 to 2003 / May 1998 / The Mode of Baptism – A Defence

The Mode of Baptism – A Defence

Rev. Keith M. Watkins

Part 2 – The Symbolism of Baptism, The Spirit of the Gospel

AS was stated in Part 1 of this article in the April issue, the 1996 Free Presbyterian Youth Conference paper on the Mode of Baptism, published last year in The Free Presbyterian Magazine,1 led to a reply by Mr B.A. Ramsbottom in The Gospel Standard (hereafter referred to as the G.S.) magazine, 2 in which he insists on immersion as the only valid form of baptism. Over the years our Church has strongly resisted the claims of immersionism, earnestly contending for sprinkling (or pouring), and now a number of brethren have urged a defence. The issues involved are so important that we must respond to the G.S. article.

Having responded in Part 1 to a number of G.S. points under the heads of “New Testament Greek”, “New Testament Baptisms”, and “The Teaching of the Reformed Divines”, we now proceed to the symbolism of the sacrament, and the spirit of the gospel.

The Symbolism of Baptism

Our paper’s third argument was drawn from baptism’s symbolic import. The G.S. reply admits that this includes purification, but denies that biblical purification is better represented by applying water to the person (sprinkling) than by applying the person to water (immersion). In the Bible, we read, “Sprinkle water of purifying upon them” (Num. 8:7), and “Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean” (Ezek. 36:25). The G.S. resorts instead to man’s word: a believer “plunged in that crimson ocean, Christ’s atonement made for sin.” So says an uninspired hymn, but immersion in Christ’s blood is foreign to inspired Scripture. We read of “the blood of sprinkling” (Heb. 12:24), and the “sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ” (1 Pet. 1:2), but never of an ocean of blood. The attempt to turn Zechariah’s precious fountain (see Zech. 13:1) into a pool is unsuccessful. A fountain is a spring that pours out water, not a pool containing water.

Does baptism symbolise burial? Dismissing the rich breadth of baptism’s symbolism, the G.S. harps instead almost entirely on the single string of burial. Without Scripture to help, a man-made hymn has to be employed to support the idea that “the baptismal pool represents the grave of the Lord Jesus.” The attempt to equate immersion under water with Christ’s burial above ground in a cave (because in both the “whole body was hidden from sight”) is desperately unconvincing. Water is transparent! And baptism is about washing, not hiding. How right John Owen was when he wrote, “There is not one word nor one expression that mentions any resemblance between dipping under water and the death and burial of Christ.” 3

Preoccupation with burial has led the G.S. to accuse us falsely of denying any significance to Christ’s burial. We endorsed Robert Dabney’s point that Christ’s burial is not a cardinal transaction of redemption, and therefore not to be sacramentally commemorated. The Saviour’s burial is precious indeed, but nothing is advanced to refute Dabney other than the idea that the “summary of faith [in 1 Cor. 15] lists three things”, including burial. However, we find four things there, not three. Christ died; He was buried; He rose again; and He was seen. The cardinal points remain death and resurrection. 4 Being seen was proof of resurrection, and burial was proof of death.

No attempt is made in the G.S. article to expound the “proof-texts” adopted by immersionists (Rom. 6:3,4 and Col. 2:12). There is no interaction at all with our paper’s objections to using these texts to decide mode. Therefore, the dogmatic claim of the G.S. article, that in the mode of baptism “the Holy Ghost does use the symbol of burial,” remains entirely unsubstantiated from Scripture.

Romans, chapter 6, links baptism with Christ’s death as surely as with His burial. We asserted that if mode is taught here, it would have to represent crucifixion as well as burial and resurrection. The G.S. suggests no answer. How could it? Immersion bears no resemblance to crucifixion, the mode of Christ’s death. Joseph Irons did not overstate the case: “It is grossly absurd to suppose that baptism represents the death . . . of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 5

Galatians 3:27 links baptism with being clothed with Christ: “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.” Yet immersionists do not attempt to represent putting on a garment in their mode of baptism. 1 Corinthians 12:13 links baptism with being united together in one body: “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body”. Again, immersionists do not try to symbolise unity in one body by their mode. The G.S. reply contains no exegetical attempt to defend the arbitrary contention of immersionism that, whereas Romans and Colossians teach baptism’s mode, Galatians and Corinthians do not.

The truth is that none of these texts teach mode. Symbolising all these things (crucifixion, burial, resurrection, putting on a garment, union into one body) simultaneously with water is impossible. Louis Berkhof’s point, that these passages do not speak of water baptism, receives no answer. Baptizo does not always refer to water baptism!

The unbiblical weakness at the heart of immersionism is revealed. Its major contention, that baptism represents burial, cannot be drawn exegetically from the Word of God. Romans 6 does not teach it. Colossians 2 does not teach it. Here, in the biblical texts, the very heart of the controversy is reached, and the G.S. is silent! It has nothing to say to defend its position. This failure to expound the crucial texts of the Word of God is a tacit admission of the unbiblical nature of immersionism.

Water baptism and Holy Spirit baptism. What does baptism represent? Rev. Donald MacLean provided the key to the Reformed and scriptural answer in 1954: “It is clear that the main use of baptism in the Word of God refers to the baptism of the Holy Ghost.” 6 Baptism by the Holy Spirit (in regeneration) unites a soul to Jesus Christ. By that union, the soul becomes a partaker of the benefits of the covenant of grace. This is what water baptism is designed to symbolise, and it all begins with Holy Spirit baptism.

From the outset of the New Testament, in John the Baptist’s preaching, water baptism and Holy Spirit baptism are joined inseparably: “I indeed baptize you with water . . . but . . . He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost” (Matt. 3:11). This was fulfilled when the Holy Spirit was poured out at Pentecost (Acts 2:16,17), and again when He fell on the household of Cornelius, giving them faith and repentance (Acts 11:15-18). Whenever a soul experiences “the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost” (Titus 3:5), he is baptised with the Holy Spirit. It is called baptism because it washes the soul from sin. The New Testament is clear. Water baptism symbolises baptism with the Holy Spirit! “Water baptism is to represent and prefigure the baptism of the Holy Spirit, the communication of divine influence to the soul in regeneration.” 7

Yet we search the G.S. article in vain for even the vaguest reference to Holy Spirit baptism. The G.S. silence on this all-important aspect of the subject is easily explained. The purifying influence of the Holy Spirit is never likened to a soul being immersed in Him! When Holy Spirit baptism, not burial, controls our approach to water baptism, we see that water should come upon the person (by sprinkling or pouring), just as the Spirit comes upon the soul. No place is left for immersion. Joseph Irons details the biblical teaching: “The Holy Spirit’s baptism is set forth in a variety of expressions which imply the communications of His influence to the person, but none which give any idea of the person being immersed into His influence. I have been particularly struck with the following phrases, descending (John 1:32), pouring (Acts 2:17), shedding forth (Acts 2:33),falling (Acts 11:15), anointing (Acts 10:38), giving (Acts 15:8), sealing (Eph.1:13), breathing (John 20:22). All these relate expressly to the Holy Spirit’s baptism, and are to me quite sufficient to decide the mode”.8

Immersionists are wrong to force water baptism into Romans 6:3,4, for these verses speak of a baptism that unites the soul to Christ in all His saving virtue. Only Holy Spirit baptism can do that, not water baptism. The true meaning of the passage may be represented thus: “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized [by the Holy Spirit] into Jesus Christ were baptized [by the Holy Spirit] into His death? Therefore we are buried with Him by [Holy Spirit] baptism into death.” Whereas, the immersionists’ insistence that the passage teaches the mode of baptism would make it read: “Know ye not, that so many of us as were dipped under water into Jesus Christ were dipped under water into His death? Therefore we are buried with Him by dipping under water into death.” If the immersionist interpretation were true, it would make Romans 6 teach the heresy that water baptism savingly unites a soul to Christ in the efficacy of His death! Therefore, Romans 6 “can have no reference to water baptism, but points exclusively to the baptism of the Holy Ghost, which separates us from the world as those who are dead to it.” 9 The same key of interpretation unlocks the meaning of the other passages too: it is not by water baptism, but by Holy Spirit baptism, that we are crucified, risen and clothed with Christ, and united in one body. 10

This interpretation alone preserves the twofold aspect of the sacraments. In the Old Testament, circumcision represented the Spirit’s work in us, and the passover represented Christ’s work for us. So also in the New: baptism represents the Spirit’s work in us; and the Supper represents Christ’s work for us. Immersionism excludes the Spirit’s work and makes both sacraments speak only of Christ’s work.

The Spirit of the Gospel

Our fourth argument, that immersion was less in keeping with the spirit of the gospel, is vigorously resisted, sadly in a very personal way. The G.S. claim of immersion effecting a modern “miracle”, when one of their current ministers “crawled or hobbled to the baptismal pool, but walked away”, does nothing to shake our conviction that immersionism is contrary to the gospel’s universality. Unlike sprinkling, immersion cannot be applied in any climate and in any condition of health. Surely a New Testament rite was never meant to be so practically onerous as immersionists would make baptism.

Our paper’s account of immersion in practice is said to be “most exaggerated.” It is to be regretted that our honesty is impugned. Having once held to immersionism, we wrote nothing but what we had seen with our own eyes in various “baptist” churches in England. No doubt some do endeavour to immerse with decorum, but I was dealing with immersionism as a whole, of which the G.S. denomination represents only a small part.

When we drew attention to the danger of immodesty in female immersion, we only followed in the steps of others. Samuel Miller of Princeton warned, “Public baptism of females with all the delicacy and care which can possibly be employed, is certainly, as thousands attest, a practice little in keeping with those religious feelings and impressions with which it is desirable that every Christian solemnity should be attended.” 11 Thomas Witherow observed that “dipping in the presence of a multitude implies an exposure of the person, from which many, especially modest and delicate females, shrink.” 12 William MacIntyre wrote of immersionists “having, particularly in the case of females, to guard against unseemly mishaps.” 13 A G.S. minister wrote to assure us that they take “all proper precautions.” This proves our point. No such precautions are needed for sprinkling, but the dangers inherent in immersion require them.

We resist the G.S. idea that immersionism must be right because some souls think that they have felt God’s presence at an immersion. So have many parents when their children were sprinkled. Lachlan MacKenzie of Lochcarron experienced God’s presence in a special way when he sprinkled a certain infant. That boy was to become the eminent minister, Alexander MacColl of Lochalsh. 14 Subjective, personal experience cannot resolve this debate; it must be settled only by the objective Word of God.

Conclusion

We take no delight in controversy for its own sake, yet we are to contend earnestly for truth, praying that Zion’s watchmen will see eye to eye. Until then, the sad fact remains that although we recognise Gospel Standard baptism as valid, they contend that Free Presbyterians have not been baptised. The Rev. Donald MacLean’s conclusion, written more than forty years ago, still holds: “You can rest satisfied that when the godly compilers of the Confession declared that dipping was unnecessary and that the proper method of administering Baptism was by pouring or sprinkling, they were on firm scriptural ground.” 15 The G.S. reply contains nothing to disturb our thoroughly biblical position.

1. Keith Watkins, The Mode of Baptism, The Free Presbyterian Magazine (F.P.M.), Vol. 102, pp 11-17, 41-45.
2. B. A. Ramsbottom, Immersion: The True Meaning of Baptism, Gospel Standard, Vol. 163, pp. 118-25. Unless stated otherwise, all quotations, etc., attributed to Mr Ramsbottom or the G.S. refer to this article.
3. Ibid., p. 268.
4. “For to this end Christ both died and rose” Rom. 14:9; “Him which died for them, and rose again” 2 Cor. 5:15; “Jesus died and rose again” 1 Th. 4:14.
5. Quoted in Y.P.M., op. cit., Vol. 18, p. 86.
6. On Baptism: Some Conclusions, Y.P.M., Vol. 19, p. 18
7. Irons, in Y.P.M., op. cit., Vol. 18, p. 86.
8. Ibid., p. 89.
9. Irons, in Y.P.M., op. cit., Vol. 18, p. 87.
10. Rom. 6:3, Col. 2:12 (the baptism of verse 12 is “made without hands” like the circumcision of verse 11), Gal. 3:27, and 1 Cor. 12:13.
11. Samuel Miller, Infant Baptism Scriptural and Reasonable: and Baptism by Sprinkling or Affusion the Most Suitable and Edifying Mode, Philadelphia, 1835.
12. Witherow, op. cit., p. 12.
13. MacIntyre, op. cit., p. 31.
14. Referred to by John P. MacQueen, Baptism: A Reply, Y.P.M., Vol. 22, p. 78.
15. On Baptism: Some Conclusions, Y.P.M., Vol. 19, p. 18f.

Return to Table of Contents for The Free Presbyterian Magazine – May 1998

Upcoming Events

May 26
26 May - 30 May

Communion: Chiedza

Jun 2
2 Jun - 6 Jun

Communion: Perth

Jun 9
9 Jun - 13 Jun

Communions: Nkayi, North Uist, Santa Fe

Jun 23
23 Jun - 27 Jun

Communions: Bulawayo, Gairloch, Inverness

Jun 30
30 Jun - 4 Jul

Communion: Beauly

View Calendar

Publications

  • Free Presbyterian Magazine
    • Historic Sermons
    • 1896 to 1904
    • 1904 to 1910
    • 1910 to 1919
    • 1920 to 1929
    • 1930 to 1939
    • 1940 to 1949
    • 1950 to 1956
    • 1998 to 2003
      • October 2003
        • A View from the Outer Hebrides
        • The Untiring Travellers – Part 2
        • Sanctification – Part 2
        • The Ten Virgins
        • John Wesley 1703-1791
        • A Pastor’s Concern
        • Seeking Great Things
        • Notes and Comments
        • Church Information
      • September 2003
        • A Kingdom Where Order Reigns
        • Church Information
        • The Untiring Travellers – Part 1
        • Sanctification – part 1
        • The Achreny Mission – 2. 1815 to 1843
        • Evidences of Saving Faith – part 4
        • Book Reviews
        • Protestant View
        • Notes and Comments
      • November 2003
        • Church Information
        • A Prayer-Hearing God – Part 1
        • The Achreny Mission – Part 3 – After the Disruption
        • Meditation – Its Blessedness
        • Obituary – John Beaton, Raasay
        • African Missions Update
        • Growing Vatican Sovereignty
        • Protestant View
        • Notes and Comments
        • Christ as Prophet
      • March 2003
        • What We Make It?
        • King Solomon’s Chariot
        • Samuel Rutherford – St Andrews and Westminster
        • Those Who Have Fled for Refuge – Part 4
        • The Parable of the Talents
        • The Kinsman
        • Scottish Church Initiative for Union
        • Protestant View
        • Notes and Comments
      • May 2003
        • A Powerful Voice
        • Notes and Comments
        • “Ye Shall Ask What Ye Will”- Part 2
        • Christianity – an Exclusive Religion – The Religion of the Bible
        • The Prodigal Son
        • The Study of Providence
        • Poor and Needy
        • John Piper and His Doctrine
        • African Missions
        • Protestant View
      • June 2003
        • No Sense of Need
        • Protestant View
        • Notes and Comments
        • The Call of Matthew
        • Christianity – an Exclusive Religion – The Christian Doctrine of God
        • The Sower
        • Evidences of Saving Faith – Part 1
        • Meditation Sanctifies
        • Mbuma Zending Meeting – 2003
        • Zimbabwe Ordinations and Inductions
        • Book Reviews
      • July 2003
        • Acceptable Worship
        • Protestant View
        • Notes and Comments
        • Grace Glorified in Election
        • Christianity – an Exclusive Religion – Some Further Doctrines
        • The Pharisee and the Publican
        • Rabbi Duncan
        • Evidences of Saving Faith – Part 2
        • A Plea for Prayer
        • Continuing Repentance
        • Book Review: Christmas Evans, The Life and Times of the One-Eyed Preacher of Wales
      • January 2003
        • Thankfulness
        • The Lord God of Elijah
        • Samuel Rutherford – Fair Anwoth by the Solway – 1627 – 1636
        • Manna
        • All of Grace
        • Obituary – Mr Edward Arthur Christensen, Auckland
        • Obituary – Miss Isabel Murray, North Tolsta
        • Protestant View
        • Notes and Comments
      • February 2003
        • Christ’s Infinite Riches
        • Protestant View
        • Church Information
        • The Lord God of Elijah – Part 2
        • Samuel Rutherford – His King’s Palace in Aberdeen
        • The Privilege of Prayer
        • In Possession of the Promises
        • The Rich Man and Lazarus
        • Humiliation and Prayer
        • Book Reviews
        • Notes and Comments
        • Book Review – Sidelights on Bible Characters
        • Book Review – Authentic Christianity: Sermons on the Acts of the Apostles
      • December 2003
        • Nineteenth-Century Drift
        • A Prayer-Hearing God – Part 2
        • The Achreny Mission – 4. After the Disruption – Part 2
        • Meditation – Its Consequences
        • Visit to the Ukraine
        • Book Review – Letters from the South Seas, Margaret Paton
        • Protestant View
        • Notes and Comments
        • Church Information
      • April 2003
        • The Promised Land
        • Church Information
        • “Ye Shall Ask What Ye Will”- Part 1
        • Samuel Rutherford – The Last Years
        • The Pearl of Great Price
        • Repentance
        • A Private Among the Padres
        • Damaging Doubts
        • The Prince – Defender of all Faiths
        • Protestant View
      • August 2003
        • What Kind of Faith?
        • Notes and Comments
        • Church Information
        • The Head Stone of the Corner
        • The Vineyard
        • Mary and the Spiritual Mind
        • The Achreny Mission – 1. 1760 to 1815
        • Church of Scotland General Assembly
        • Evidences of Saving Faith – Part 3
        • Book Reviews
        • Protestant View
        • Book Review – God’s Hymnbook for the Christian Church
      • September 2002
        • The Shepherd’s Reward
        • Notes and Comments
        • The Jubilee
        • The Early Christian Church – The Era of Conflict
        • Those Who Have Fled for Refuge – Part 2
        • The Beliver’s Sanctification
        • Trinitarian Bible Society Update
        • The New Archbishop of Canterbury
        • Book Reviews
        • Protestant View
      • October 2002
        • “My Counsel Shall Stand”
        • Church Information
        • The Way to the City
        • The Early Christian Church – The Era of Consolidation
        • “Your Mercy”and the Jews’ Future
        • Springing Up After Many Days
        • Book Reviews
        • Eastern Europe News
        • Protestant View
        • Notes and Comments
      • November 2002
        • Christ’s Spiritual Conquests
        • Church Information
        • The Call to the Water of Life – Part 2 (1) A Sermon by William Nixon Revelation 22:17. And the spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
        • The Right Way (1) Rev J S Sinclair
        • Obituary Mr Murdo Macleod, Elder, Stornoway
        • Book Reviews
        • Foreign Mission News
        • Protestant View
        • Notes and Comments
      • May 2002
        • Divine Compassion
        • Book Review – The Antichrist
        • Protestant View
        • Notes and Comments
        • Church Information
        • Coming to Christ – Part 2
        • A Master in Israel
        • The Cleansing of the Leper
        • The Christian’s Life
        • The Puritans on Prayer
        • Advice on Preaching
        • The Great Draught of Fishes
        • Book Review – Church and State
      • March 2002
        • “Hear the Word of the Lord”
        • The Blessing of Asher
        • Thomas Cranmer – That God Might Be Truly Worshipped
        • Psalms or Hymns in Public Worship
        • Obituary – Reverend Donald Nicolson
        • Is Britain Being Protected?
        • Protestant View
        • Notes and Comments
        • Protestant View
      • June 2002
        • “Another King, One Jesus”
        • Church Information
        • Pray Without Ceasing
        • The Puritans on Prayer – Part 2
        • Inventing Religion
        • Princeton and Pelagianism
        • Among the Children
        • Hopes of Future Usefulness – A Letter of John Love
        • Protestant View
        • Notes and Comments
      • January 2002
        • “Religion in its Purity”
        • Notes and Comments
        • Attaining a Knowledge of Our Sins
        • The Meat Offering
        • The Strength of Faith
        • Thomas Cranmer – Moving Towards a Reformation
        • The Extent of the Atonement
        • Rev John MacDonald (1925-2000) – Obituary
        • Book Review – God and Cosmos
        • Protestant View – Queen Invites Cardinal to Sandringham
      • July 2002
        • The Need for Opened Eyes
        • God’s Wrath Against Sin
        • The Puritans on Prayer – A Wondrous Mysterious Grace
        • Revival in Arran
        • Man’s Righteousness and God’s
        • Church of Scotland General Assembly
        • Protestant View
        • Notes and Comments
        • Protestant View
      • February 2002
        • Offering up Our Desires to God
        • Notes and Comments
        • Church Information
        • Look unto Me and Be Ye Saved
        • Thomas Cranmer – The Man of Extreme Caution
        • The Power of the Gospel
        • The Goodness of God in Redemption
        • Obituary – Mrs Isabella Turner
        • Book Review – Galatians
        • Book Notices
        • Protestant View
      • December 2002
        • “A Zealous, Godly Preacher”
        • The Call to the Water of Life – Part 2
        • Samuel Rutherford – From Birth to New Birth
        • Those Who Have Fled for Refuge – part 3
        • Obituary – Mrs Annie MacIver, North Tolsta
        • Book Reviews
        • Protestant View
        • Notes and Comments
      • April 2002
        • “I am the Resurrection and the Life”
        • Coming to Christ – Part 1
        • Thomas Cranmer – On to the Fire
        • The Plague of Leprosy
        • Divided Allegiance
        • Obituary – Miss Margaret Sutherland
        • Book Review – The Hidden Pathway
        • Protestant View
        • Notes and Comments
      • August 2002
        • Everything Devoted to God’s Service
        • Unity Among the Brethren
        • Those Who Have Feld for Refuge
        • The Early Christian Church – The Era of Conquest
        • Symptoms of Spiritual Death
        • Book Review – The King’s Daughters
        • African Mission News
        • Protestant View
        • Notes and Comments
      • September 2001
        • Knowing God
        • Notes and Comments
        • Church Information
        • The Path of the Just
        • Obituary – The late Miss Jean Nicolson
        • Obituary – The late Mrs Lexie MacLeod
        • Raasay Congregation – a Brief History
        • The Knowledge of Sin
        • Induction at Sengera
        • Book Review: The Source of the IRA/Sinn Fein
        • Protestant View
      • October 2001
        • Tragedy
        • “God Gave the Increase”
        • The Westminster Confession of Faith – It’s Usefulness for the Church
        • Desires for Glory
        • Calling a Minister
        • The Vatican Archives
        • A Visit to Singapore
        • Notes and Comments
      • November 2001
        • Scotland’s Preachers
        • Recent Inductions
        • The Rose of Sharon
        • The Westminster Confession of Faith – It’s Usefulness on the Personal Level – Intellectually
        • “Be Strong and of a Good Courage”
        • God’s Wonderful Goodness
        • “Withhold not Correction”
        • Obituary – The late Mr Donald Beaton, Elder, Auckland
        • Protestant View
        • Notes and Comments
        • Obituary – The late Mr Donald Beaton, Elder, Auckland
      • May 2001
        • Sinking in Capernaum’s Doom
        • Book Review – Irish Worthies
        • Protestant View
        • Notes and Comments
        • The Goodwill of God
        • Keeping the Heart in Temptation
        • The Establishment Principle – Part 2
        • The Garden of Nuts
        • The Son of Man Lifted up
        • Obituary – The late John Angus MacLeod
        • A Deputy’s Visit to Africa – Kenya
        • Book Review – Faith and Justification
      • March 2001
        • “Just with God”
        • Protestant View
        • Notes and Comments
        • Church Information
        • Christ Set up from Everlasting
        • Stevenson on the Offices of Christ – Christ as Priest
        • W S Plumer- Part 2
        • Obituary – The late Rev Alexander McPherson, Perth
        • Pastoral Letter – Rev Alexander McPherson
        • Joseph MacKay
        • Book Review – Forerunner of the Great Awakening
      • June 2001
        • Blessedness
        • Church Information
        • Christ Coming for His people’s Help – Part 1
        • Who Belong to the Visible Church?
        • The Establishment Principle – Part 3
        • Religion in the Highlands After 1688 – Part 3
        • Raising Questions Against Darwinism
        • Eastern Europe News
        • Protestant View
        • Notes and Comments
      • July 2001
        • Cry Aloud Spare Not
        • Christ Coming for His people’s Help – Part 2
        • Stevenson on the Offices of Christ
        • Our African Missions – an Update
        • Church of Scotland General Assembly
        • Spring Visit to Ukraine
        • Trinitarian Bible Society Report
        • Notes and Comments
        • Church Information
      • January 2001
        • Looking Forward
        • Book Review – The Government of the Church
        • Protestant View
        • Notes and Comments
        • Church Information
        • Faith, Its Nature, Origin and Effects
        • Thomas Halyburton and How God May Be Known
        • The Divinity of Christ
        • Religion in the Highlands after 1688 – Part 1
        • Keep a good conscience
        • God’s True Family
        • What is the Object of Faith?
        • Communion in Singapore
      • February 2001
        • Calling the Sabbath a Delight
        • Notes and Comments
        • Church Information
        • Christ Set up from Everlasting
        • Stevenson on the Offices of Christ – Christ as Prophet
        • Religion in the Highlands after 1688 – Part 2
        • Book Review – Daily Prayer and Praise by Henry Law
        • Psalm 122 – Henry Law
        • The enemies of the Christian
        • African Mission News
        • Protestant View
      • December 2001
        • Protestant View
        • African Mission News
        • Eastern Europe News
        • Book Review – Tell it to the Generation Following
        • The Westminster Confession of Faith – Usefulness on the Personal Level
        • The Impossibility of Neutrality
        • “Christian”Entertainment
        • Attaining a Knowledge of Our Sins
        • Church Information
        • Notes and Comments
        • A View From Zimbabwe
      • August 2001
        • “There They Preached the Gospel”
        • Protestant View
        • Notes and Comments
        • Church Information
        • “He Will Bless Us”
        • Stevenson on the Offices of Christ
        • “He Delighteth in Mercy”
        • “The Voice of Christianity in Scotland”
        • Obituary – The late Mr Ian M MacLeod, Elder, Dingwall
        • Obituary – The late Mrs Catherine MacKenzie, Stornoway
        • Book Review – Southern Presbyterian Leaders 1683-1911
        • Book Review – The Westminster Confession of Faith, Milestone, Millstone or Manifesto?
      • April 2001
        • Sowing the Seed
        • The Duty of Nations to the Church
        • The Establishment Principle – Part 1
        • “The Finger of God”
        • Obituary – The late Miss Peggy Nicolson, Inverness
        • A Deputy’s Visit to Africa – Zimbabwe
        • Protestant View
        • Notes and Comments
        • Church Information
      • September 2000
        • The Resurrection of Christ
        • Church Information
        • Reading the Scriptures Profitably
        • The believer is to put those sins… into the hands of Christ
        • The Puritans and the Ministry
        • Christ Glorifying God
        • Blessed Are They That Mourn
        • The Nature of Vital Piety (2)
        • Protestant View
        • Notes and Comments
      • October 2000
        • The Fear of God
        • Church Information
        • Reading the Scriptures Profitably (2)
        • He indeed is rich in grace whose graces are not hindered by his riches
        • The Puritans and the Ministry (2)
        • James Stewart
        • Christ Healing a Leper
        • Visits To Eastern Europe
        • Protestant View
        • Notes and Comments
      • November 2000
        • “What Are They Among so Many?”
        • Vain Religion
        • Protestant View
        • Notes and Comments
        • Church Information
        • The Desired Haven
        • God may bear long with the wicked, but…
        • Thomas Halyburton
        • James Stewart (2)
        • The Temptation of Christ
        • Book Review
      • May 2000
        • The Church of God From Age to Age
        • Jesus of Nazareth passeth by
        • Rev Lachlan MacLeod (1918-1998) – Obituary
        • “So let him give”
        • The Solemn League and Covenant
        • Protestant View
        • Notes and Comments
        • African Mission News
        • Church Information
      • June 2000
        • The Example of the Church in Smyrna
        • Eastern Europe – Spring 2000 Report
        • Church Information
        • The Nature of the New Birth
        • This is Indeed the Christ
        • Obituary The late Mr Alasdair Gillies, M.A., Elder, Dingwall
        • Report of Mbuma Zending Meeting – 29th April 2000
        • Protestant View
        • Notes and Comments
        • Ma Donsa One of the Pilgrims at Ingwenya
        • African Mission News
      • March 2000
        • Two Free Churches
        • Sermon The Gracious Invitation of Christ
        • The Rev John Sinclair of Bruan (1801-43)
        • Princeton Theology – the Scottish Connection
        • Regeneration Regulating the Affections
        • Book Review
        • Protestant View
        • Notes and Comments
        • Church Information
      • July 2000
        • The Church of Scotland General Assembly
        • Church Information
        • Lift up a Standard for the People
        • At the Westminster Assembly
        • The Earth Corrupt before God
        • The Trinitarian Bible Society Report
        • Obituary – The late Mr Kenneth Gillies, Elder, Raasay
        • The Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland Synod
        • Protestant View
        • Notes and Comments
      • February 2000
        • The Rev. Christopher Munro (1817-85)
        • African Mission News
        • Church Information
        • “Come unto me”
        • Joy and Peace in Believing
        • Princeton Theology – the Scottish Connection
        • Negotiations in London
        • Obituary
        • Trinitarian Bible Society Scottish Day Conference
        • Protestant View
        • Notes and Comments
      • January 2000
        • Another Millennium
        • Notes of a Sermon The Earth Filled with His Glory
        • The Second Coming of Christ – Three Main Views
        • The Latter Day Glory
        • Building up the Church of God
        • Princeton Seminary – The Majestic Testimony by David Calhoun.
        • Protestant View
        • Notes and Comments
        • Church Information
      • December 2000
        • The Divine Saviour
        • A Sermon by John Kennedy
        • Thomas Halyburton
        • The Late Roderick Macleod,
        • The Aberdeen Church
        • Book Reviews
        • Book Reviews
        • Notes and Comments
      • August 2000
        • Where Are We Now?
        • Notes and Comments
        • Church Information
        • Christ Given in His Fulness
        • Alexander Henderson
        • I cannot always come to Christ
        • Obedience to Christ
        • The Nature of Vital Piety
        • The Puritans for Today
        • Protestant View
      • April 2000
        • The Family Under Attack
        • Sermon
        • Princeton Theology – the Scottish Connection
        • The King in Scotland
        • Comments on Psalm 51
        • Unsettling the Settlement
        • The pope’s visit to the Holy Land
        • Notes and Comments
        • Church Information
      • October 1999
        • Declaring All the Counsel of God
        • Church Information
        • God so Loved the World
        • The Rev. James S. Sinclair
        • The Glasgow Assembly
        • Calvin’s View of the Millennium
        • Book Review
        • Trinitarian Bible Society Annual General Meeting
        • Protestant View
        • Notes and Comments
      • September 1999
        • Old Testament Types
        • Church Information
        • Christ Seeing of the Travail of His Soul
        • Alexander Stewart of Cromarty
        • The Intercession of Christ
        • Resolved to Abolish Episcopacy
        • “And the sun was darkened”
        • Book Review
        • Protestant View
        • Notes and Comments
      • November 1999
        • Morality and Politics
        • Church Information
        • Sermon
        • Rev Alexander Morrison (1925-1999) – Obituary
        • The Charismatic Movement – The Gifts have Ceased
        • Casting down the Walls of Jericho
        • A Visit to Singapore
        • Book Review
        • Protestant View
        • Notes and Comments
      • May 1999
        • “Upon this rock I will build my church”
        • The Blessed Poor
        • Rev Angus Mackay
        • Is Christ our High Priest?
        • Signs of Religious Declension
        • Protestant View
        • Notes and Comments
        • Church Information
      • March 1999
        • Heaven-provoking Legislation
        • Church Information
        • The Drawing Power of the Cross
        • The Alpha Course Examined
        • Teaching Christianity in Scottish Schools
        • The late Mrs Margaret Tallach, Glasgow
        • Letter by John Love, D.D.
        • Protestant View
        • Notes and Comments
        • African Mission News
      • June 1999
        • Made a Faithful Shepherd
        • Notes and Comments
        • How May Sanctification Be Attained?
        • Protestant View
        • Mbuma Zending Meeting Report
        • Address to Mbuma Zending Meeting
        • Spiritual Pride in Man
        • Church Information
        • Preaching the Unsearchable Riches of Christ
        • The Free Church and the World
      • January 1999
        • When the Enemy Shall Come in Like a Flood
        • Church Information
        • Let me see thy countenance
        • The Religion of the Highlands
        • Personal Creed and Resolutions
        • Book Review
        • Protestant View
        • Notes and Comments
        • African Mission News
        • Eastern Europe Mission
      • July 1999
        • The Church of Scotland General Assembly
        • Notes and Comments
        • Church Information
        • The Pre-eminence of Christ
        • A Man Who Wished to Live Obscurely
        • The Nature of Saving Faith
        • The Light of the World
        • God is: therefore God is to be Worshipped
        • Book Review
        • The Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland Synod
        • Protestant View
      • February 1999
        • The Purposes of the Lord’s Supper
        • The Trinitarian Bible Society – Appointments
        • The Light of the Knowledge of the Glory of God
        • Holy Importunity in Prayer
        • A Heavenly Eternal Crown of Glory
        • Book Review
        • Protestant View
        • Notes and Comments
        • African Mission News
        • Church Information
      • December 1999
        • The End of a Millennium
        • African Mission News
        • Church Information
        • Until the Day Break
        • The Charismatic Movement – The Gifts have Ceased
        • The Rev. Donald Macfarlane of Dingwall
        • The Pagan Origin of Christmas A Reminder
        • Ministers Prepared by Temptation
        • Book Review
        • Protestant View
        • Notes and Comments
      • August 1999
        • The Advance of Rome under Hume
        • Notes and Comments
        • Eastern Europe Mission
        • Church Information
        • The Marks of a Time of Revival, and the Means of Bringing it About
        • The Free Church of Scotland General Assembly
        • Thy Kingdom Come
        • The National Covenant
        • Work of the Trinitarian Bible Society in 1998
        • Unsettled and Discouraged?
        • Book Review
        • Protestant View
      • April 1999
        • The Observance of Easter
        • The Smitten Shepherd and His Flock
        • The Prince of Highland Preachers
        • The Inter-Faith Movement
        • Book Review
        • Protestant View
        • Notes and Comments
        • Church Information
      • September 1998
        • The Golden Key of Prayer
        • Church Information
        • Weighed in the Balances
        • Christ, the Way
        • Praying as Beggars
        • Book Reviews
        • Protestant View
        • Notes and Comments
        • Our African Mission
        • Patrick Mzamo – A sketch of an African elder and lay-preacher
      • October 1998
        • The Westminster Assembly and Romanism
        • African Mission News
        • Church Information
        • Christ Liveth in me *
        • God’s Way of Bringing Sinners to Christ
        • The Effects of Television Violence
        • Sin and Sanctification
        • Book Review
        • Protestant View
        • Notes and Comments
        • Philemon Ndebele
      • November 1998
        • Faithfulness or Vilification
        • Church Information
        • The Best Security in Evil Times
        • Pentecostal Dialogue with Rome
        • The Prayers of the Aged
        • The Religion of the Highlands – The Persecution of a Highland Laird
        • Book Review
        • Protestant View
        • Notes and Comments
        • Eastern Europe Mission Work
      • May 1998
        • The Mode of Baptism – A Defence
        • Outlines of Lectures on the Bible
        • A Vessel Meet for the Master’s Use
        • African Mission News
        • Church Information
        • Serving the Lord with Humility
        • The Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland on the Internet
        • Booklet Reviews
        • Protestant View
        • Notes and Comments
        • The Story of Mamlotshwa
      • March 1998
        • A Minister of God
        • “I will yet for this be inquired of”
        • African Mission News
        • Church Information
        • Godliness With Contentment
        • Protestant View
        • African Mission News
        • Outlines of Lectures on the Bible
        • Private Prayer and Public Profession
        • Truth and Life
        • The Free Church, Psalms and Hymns
      • June 1998
        • Family Worship
        • Notes and Comments
        • Ma Ngwenya – Mother of the late Rev. B. B. Dube
        • Church Information
        • The Lord is Risen Indeed
        • Outlines of Lectures on the Bible
        • The Pastoral Epistles
        • The Church of Scotland and the Bible
        • Mbuma-Zending Meeting – 1998
        • Three Characteristics of True Faith
        • Book Reviews
        • Protestant View
        • Three Characteristics of True Faith
      • July 1998
        • The General Assemblies
        • Church Information
        • The Scriptural Warrant for Creedal Subscription
        • The Pastoral Epistles
        • The Trinitarian Bible Society Report
        • A Cambuslang Case of Conversion
        • Booklet Review
        • Protestant View
        • Notes and Comments
        • The Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland Synod
      • January 1998
        • Book Review
        • Protestant View
        • Notes and Comments
        • MaHlabangana
        • Winter Visit to Eastern Europe
        • THE NEW YEAR
        • The Church Built and Kept by the Lord
        • Outlines of Lectures on the Bible
        • The Fruits of the Declaratory Act In the Free Church of Scotland
        • Redeeming the Time
        • African Mission News
      • February 1998
        • Outlines of Lectures on the Bible
        • Book Review
        • Protestant View
        • Notes and Comments
        • A Mission Day of Prayer
        • Church Information
        • Leaning Upon her Beloved
        • Brought Home to Heaven
        • Observing the Sabbath
        • Church Deputy’s Visit to North America
        • African Mission News
        • A Faithful Ambassador is Health
      • December 1998
        • When the Enemy Shall Come in Like a Flood
        • “My grace is sufficient for thee”
        • The People of the Great Faith
        • Sudden Conversions
        • A Good Soldier of Jesus Christ
        • “Give ye them to eat”
        • Protestant View
        • Notes and Comments
        • Church Information
      • August 1998
        • The General Assemblies
        • Sermon – The House of Many Mansions
        • Lessons From the Doctrine of Divine Justice
        • Book Notice
        • Protestant View
        • Notes and Comments
        • Paul Magaya – Lay Preacher in Shangani
        • Church Information
      • April 1998
        • Outlines of Lectures on the Bible
        • The Mode of Baptism – A Defence
        • Notes and Comments
        • Protestant View
        • The Manner of Coming to Christ
        • Book Notice
        • A Lily from the Ukraine
        • Eastern Europe Mission
        • Church Information
        • Called of God
        • Threats to our Religious Liberties
        • Mazwabo’s Amazing Transformation
    • 2004 to 2011
    • 2012 to 2019
    • 2020 to 2022
  • Young People’s Magazine
    • 2012 to 2019
    • 2003 to 2011
    • 2020 to 2022
  • Gaelic Supplement – An Earrann Ghàidhlig
  • Synod Reports
  • Religion and Morals Committee Reports

Latest Articles

  • Synod Resolution re The Church of Scotland’s Declaration of Friendship with the Roman Catholic Church
  • Worksheets for the Scripture and Catechism Exercises 3
  • Special Offers on New Books for May

Recently Added Audio

  • Synod Sermon 2022 17 May 2022
  • Earth, Earth, Earth 7 Nov 2021
  • The Dew upon Israel 3 Nov 2021
  • The Queen of Sheba’s Visit 31 Oct 2021
  • Loving this present world 24 Oct 2021
  • God’s gracious call to repentance 8 Sep 2021
  • All things through Christ’s strength 5 Sep 2021
  • Still unsaved 21 Nov 2021
  • Christ always the same 21 Nov 2021
  • Paul preaching Christ’s death and resurrection 14 Nov 2021

View All Sermons

Download Latest Issues:
The Free Presbyterian Magazine
Young People’s Magazine

Free Presbyterian Places of Worship

Browse the Church Bookshop

Special Offers on New Books This Month

The Peep of Day by F L Mortimer, £6.30

Comfort in Affliction by James Buchanan, £3.95

Art of Divine Contentment by Thomas Watson, £2.50

Life of John Knox by Thomas M’Crie, £4.40

Revivals of the Eighteenth Century by Duncan MacFarlan, £4.70

(Postage is extra.)
Available from the Free Presbyterian Bookoom.

Back to top

Website Contact

Rev Keith M Watkins
[email protected]

Moderator of Synod

Rev Donald A Ross
Free Presbyterian Manse
Laide
Ross-shire
IV22 2NB
[email protected]

Clerk of Synod

Rev Keith M Watkins
Free Presbyterian Manse, Ferry Road, Leverburgh, Isle of Harris, HS5 3UA, UK.
[email protected]

General Treasurer

Mr William Campbell
133 Woodlands Road, Glasgow,
G3 6LE, UK.
[email protected]

Copyright © 2022 Free Presbyterian Church of Scotland · Log in · Subscribe via RSS · Privacy Notice