The Water Baptism of 1 Corinthians 12:13

[Eternally-Grateful]

No the word "church" does not always have the same meaning. I listed five meanings in #907, with the fifth one only used today.

I am not sure what this has to do with my post.

 

[Eternally-Grateful]

I don't see any indication that the laver was for anything but for Aaron and his sons to wash their hands and their feet. As much as some people here wish it was for full immersion, I don't see any verse that indicates that. Also, it was to remove dirt or any other unclean substance. So I don't see any similarity with water baptism today. Water baptism is not to remove dirt from our skin, nor do we immerse only our hands and our feet.

I disagree

there is a huge type in not only the high priest but the priest.

we are a spiritual preisthood.

the things that happened (the washing, the sacrifice and the anointing) are all things that happen to us from God.

we are washed (symbolized by our water baptism) we partake in the death and burial of Christ (through the baptism of the spirit) and we are then anointed with the holy spirit (represented by the oil poured on Aaron and his sons)

 

[TomL]

I disagree

there is a huge type in not only the high priest but the priest.

we are a spiritual preisthood.

the things that happened (the washing, the sacrifice and the anointing) are all things that happen to us from God.

we are washed (symbolized by our water baptism) we partake in the death and burial of Christ (through the baptism of the spirit) and we are then anointed with the holy spirit (represented by the oil poured on Aaron and his sons)

Yes, it was the Father's promise

The Promise of the Father

Promise of the Father (Acts 1:4; Luke 24:49) This phrase focuses on the activity of the Father. Baptism in the Spirit is seen as a promise that God himself made (Greek subjective genitive). Peter, at Pentecost, interpreted the outpouring of the Spirit as the fulfillment of the promise that God gave through the prophet Joel. The same promise had been given through Isaiah (44:3) and Ezekiel (36:27; 37:14). The Father was the source of the promise, and that promise included both the indwelling of the Spirit in every believer and the experience of immersion in the Spirit. The Father began to fulfill His promise to pour out the Spirit “on all people” at Pentecost (Acts 2:17, NIV) Encountering the Holy Spirit: Paths of Christian Growth and Service, p 93

 

[TomL]

Yes, it was the Father's promise

The Promise of the Father

Promise of the Father (Acts 1:4; Luke 24:49) This phrase focuses on the activity of the Father. Baptism in the Spirit is seen as a promise that God himself made (Greek subjective genitive). Peter, at Pentecost, interpreted the outpouring of the Spirit as the fulfillment of the promise that God gave through the prophet Joel. The same promise had been given through Isaiah (44:3) and Ezekiel (36:27; 37:14). The Father was the source of the promise, and that promise included both the indwelling of the Spirit in every believer and the experience of immersion in the Spirit. The Father began to fulfill His promise to pour out the Spirit “on all people” at Pentecost (Acts 2:17, NIV) Encountering the Holy Spirit: Paths of Christian Growth and Service, p 93

Continued



THE PROMISE OF THE FATHER

Acts 1:4

Jesus Christ is the gift of God to the world; the Holy Spirit is the gift of Father and of Son to the Church. Both gifts should be thankfully accepted and equally enjoyed.
I. What this Promise is. It is the promise—
1. OF AN INDWELLER (John 14:16).
2. OF A COMFORTER (John 16:7).
3. OF A WITNESS (John 15:16).
II. The Conditions of Receiving the Promise. This promise was not made to the world—only to those who had obeyed Him, and were desirous of following Him.
1. BELIEVING.
2. WAITING (Luke 24:49).
3. THIRSTING (Isa. 44:3).
III. The Results which follow—
1. POWER TO WILL ACCORDING TO GOD’S MIND (Phil. 2:13).
2. POWER TO WALK ACCORDING TO GOD’S WAY (Ezek. 36:27).
3. POWER TO WITNESS ACCORDING TO GOD’S WORD (Acts 1:8; 4:33).


James Smith and Robert Lee, Handfuls on Purpose for Christian Workers and Bible Students, Series I–XIII (vol. 1, five-volume edition.; Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1971), 210–211.

 

[TomL]

Continued



THE PROMISE OF THE FATHER

Acts 1:4

Jesus Christ is the gift of God to the world; the Holy Spirit is the gift of Father and of Son to the Church. Both gifts should be thankfully accepted and equally enjoyed.
I. What this Promise is. It is the promise—
1. OF AN INDWELLER (John 14:16).
2. OF A COMFORTER (John 16:7).
3. OF A WITNESS (John 15:16).
II. The Conditions of Receiving the Promise. This promise was not made to the world—only to those who had obeyed Him, and were desirous of following Him.
1. BELIEVING.
2. WAITING (Luke 24:49).
3. THIRSTING (Isa. 44:3).
III. The Results which follow—
1. POWER TO WILL ACCORDING TO GOD’S MIND (Phil. 2:13).
2. POWER TO WALK ACCORDING TO GOD’S WAY (Ezek. 36:27).
3. POWER TO WITNESS ACCORDING TO GOD’S WORD (Acts 1:8; 4:33).


James Smith and Robert Lee, Handfuls on Purpose for Christian Workers and Bible Students, Series I–XIII (vol. 1, five-volume edition.; Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1971), 210–211.

The phrase "The Promise of the Father" refers to the assurance given by God, particularly concerning the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon believers. This promise is a pivotal theme in both the Old and New Testaments, signifying God's intention to empower His people for service and to establish a new covenant relationship with them.



Old Testament Foundations



The concept of God's promise is deeply rooted in the prophetic literature of the Old Testament. The prophet Joel speaks of a future time when God will pour out His Spirit on all people: "And afterward, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions" (Joel 2:28). This promise indicates a universal outpouring, transcending age, gender, and social status, and is a foretaste of the New Covenant.



Ezekiel also echoes this promise, linking it to the restoration and renewal of Israel: "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh" (Ezekiel 36:26). This transformation is not merely external but involves an internal renewal, signifying a profound change in the relationship between God and His people.



New Testament Fulfillment



In the New Testament, the "Promise of the Father" is explicitly connected to the coming of the Holy Spirit. Jesus Himself refers to this promise in His post-resurrection appearances. In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus instructs His disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the fulfillment of this promise: "And behold, I am sending the promise of My Father upon you. But remain in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high" (Luke 24:49).



The Book of Acts further elaborates on this promise. Before His ascension, Jesus reiterates the promise, saying, "Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift My Father promised, which you have heard Me discuss" (Acts 1:4). This promise is fulfilled on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descends upon the apostles, empowering them to speak in various tongues and boldly proclaim the gospel (Acts 2:1-4).



Theological Significance



The "Promise of the Father" is central to the understanding of the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer and the church. It signifies the transition from the Old Covenant, characterized by the law, to the New Covenant, marked by the Spirit. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is seen as the seal of the believer's salvation and the source of spiritual gifts and empowerment for ministry.



The Apostle Paul emphasizes the role of the Holy Spirit as the fulfillment of God's promise, stating, "In Him, you also, after hearing the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and after believing in Him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit" (Ephesians 1:13). This sealing is a guarantee of the believer's inheritance and a testament to the faithfulness of God's promise.



Practical Implications



For believers, the "Promise of the Father" is not only a historical event but a present reality. It assures them of God's presence and power in their lives, enabling them to live out their faith with boldness and conviction. The Holy Spirit's work in the believer includes guidance, comfort, conviction of sin, and the cultivation of spiritual fruit, as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23.



In summary, the "Promise of the Father" is a foundational element of Christian doctrine, highlighting the continuity of God's redemptive plan from the Old Testament to the New Testament and its ongoing impact on the life of the church and individual believers.

Topical Bible: The Promise of the Father

 

[dwight92070]

It seems that we're no longer on the original topic.

 

[TomL]

I don't see any indication that the laver was for anything but for Aaron and his sons to wash their hands and their feet. As much as some people here wish it was for full immersion, I don't see any verse that indicates that. Also, it was to remove dirt or any other unclean substance. So I don't see any similarity with water baptism today. Water baptism is not to remove dirt from our skin, nor do we immerse only our hands and our feet.

I agree with you there is no evidence for a full immersion there

CHAPTER VII. Baptism Out of the Laver. The most perfect historic record of baptism that we have is that of the ancient Jews. It is that of the laver. Here we have a record —a history. It runs through fifteen hundred years. The data are most abundant. If we fail to get light from such a record, with such a vast literature, inspired and uninspired, encircling it, we may well despair of understanding the matter altogether. In this, the origin of symbolic baptism as a divine rite, commanded by Jehovah and performed by his people, we may clearly see the design and correct the many abuses of baptism. We can clearly see that it was symbolic, but not of death, of burial, of resurrection ; not a door into the church ; not an initiatory rite ; not for remission of sins ; not really sacramental. In Exodus xxx, 18-21, we read of the laver that stood between the altar of burnt offerings and the door of the tabernacle. "Aaron and his sons shall wash (rachats) their hands and their feet [ek, Heb. min~\ out of it."* "And when they go into the tabernacle of the congregation, they shall wash with water, that they die not." " Thou shalt bring Aaron and his sons to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and wash them with water (Ex. xl, 12). Exodus xxx, 18-21: Rachats; Greek, ml, vtyerat z% avrov; xl, 30, vi-rrruvrat et- avrov ; verse 31, kv'nrrerai ef avrov. This is carelessly rendered in James's version " thereat " for " out of it." 58 BAPTISM. Of the laver (verse 3) : "And put water therein to wash (ek) out of it" " Moses, and Aaron and his sons, washed their hands and their feet out of it (ek)." In the first laver was water for washing both the Le vites and the sacrificial meats. In the later laver, separate ones were made for washing the meats. The first time these baptisms were carried out is in Leviticus viii, 4-6, where Moses brought Aaron and his sons to the door of the tabernacle, according to the above commands, and washed them with water. 1. We are all agreed that these laver washings were baptisms.* We have no dispute here. It is a unanimous agreement of both sides. In Hebrews ix, 10, Paul tells of the tabernacle services that " stood in meats and drinks, and divers baptisms" —"divers washings" in our version. Ditzler- Baptism

 

[dwight92070]

What verse tells us that these were baptisms? I assume you mean they were full immersions. Again, the scripture says they washed their hands and feet, or I should say Moses did.

 

[TomL]

What verse tells us that these were baptisms? I assume you mean they were full immersions. Again, the scripture says they washed their hands and feet, or I should say Moses did.

Heb 9:8-10

Hebrews 9:8–10 (YLT) — 8 The Holy Spirit this evidencing that not yet hath been manifested the way of the holy places, the first tabernacle having yet a standing; 9 which is a simile in regard to the present time, in which both gifts and sacrifices are offered, which are not able, in regard to conscience, to make perfect him who is serving, 10 only in victuals, and drinks, and different baptisms, and fleshly ordinances—till the time of reformation imposed upon them.


No not full immersion

CHAPTER VII. Baptism Out of the Laver. The most perfect historic record of baptism that we have is that of the ancient Jews. It is that of the laver. Here we have a record —a history. It runs through fifteen hundred years. The data are most abundant. If we fail to get light from such a record, with such a vast literature, inspired and uninspired, encircling it, we may well despair of understanding the matter altogether. In this, the origin of symbolic baptism as a divine rite, commanded by Jehovah and performed by his people, we may clearly see the design and correct the many abuses of baptism. We can clearly see that it was symbolic, but not of death, of burial, of resurrection ; not a door into the church ; not an initiatory rite ; not for remission of sins ; not really sacramental. In Exodus xxx, 18-21, we read of the laver that stood between the altar of burnt offerings and the door of the tabernacle. "Aaron and his sons shall wash (rachats) their hands and their feet [ek, Heb. min~\ out of it."* "And when they go into the tabernacle of the congregation, they shall wash with water, that they die not." " Thou shalt bring Aaron and his sons to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and wash them with water (Ex. xl, 12). Exodus xxx, 18-21: Rachats; Greek, ml, vtyerat z% avrov; xl, 30, vi-rrruvrat et- avrov ; verse 31, kv'nrrerai ef avrov. This is carelessly rendered in James's version " thereat " for " out of it." 58 BAPTISM. Of the laver (verse 3) : "And put water therein to wash (ek) out of it" " Moses, and Aaron and his sons, washed their hands and their feet out of it (ek)." In the first laver was water for washing both the Le vites and the sacrificial meats. In the later laver, separate ones were made for washing the meats. The first time these baptisms were carried out is in Leviticus viii, 4-6, where Moses brought Aaron and his sons to the door of the tabernacle, according to the above commands, and washed them with water. 1. We are all agreed that these laver washings were baptisms.* We have no dispute here. It is a unanimous agreement of both sides. In Hebrews ix, 10, Paul tells of the tabernacle services that " stood in meats and drinks, and divers baptisms" —"divers washings" in our version. Ditzler- Baptism

 

[dwight92070]

The NASB translates it as "various washings". The KJV says "diverse washings". I think that is a better understanding of the word in Hebrews 9:10, i.e. washings, not baptisms, even though the Greek word is baptismos, which is a dipping or washing. Every verse that I see in the Old Testament that has to do with washing, seems to be just that - a washing of dirt from the body. The Israelites had to wash their clothes before God spoke to them from Mt. Sinai. Again, I don't see any baptisms that resemble New Testament baptism in the Old Covenant.

However, it seems to me that this is getting off on a rabbit trail. The OP was about 1 Cor. 12:13 and Seabass said that water baptism was referred to here and that it IS necessary for salvation. I totally disagree. I believe 1 Cor. 12:13 refers to being "immersed" into the body of Christ by the Holy Spirit, which requires no water, just a repentant heart and faith in Jesus. This is baptism is synonymous with salvation, so it cannot be the same baptism that Jesus refers to in Acts 1:5, since all 120 persons in the upper room were already saved, which included the 12 apostles, with Matthias replacing Judas. That baptism was performed by Jesus Himself, according to John the Baptist who said that He (Jesus) would baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Again, no water was necessary, rather Jesus immerses us into the Holy Spirit.

Only 1 person with a repentant heart and faith in Jesus is required for salvation to occur.
However 2 people are required for salvation to occur, if the Church of Christ doctrine is correct, which I don't believe it is. One person to be a candidate for salvation and a 2nd person to baptize them.
So which does the Bible require for salvation to happen? 2 people or 1 person?

 

[Doug Brents]

The NASB translates it as "various washings". The KJV says "diverse washings". I think that is a better understanding of the word in Hebrews 9:10, i.e. washings, not baptisms, even though the Greek word is baptismos, which is a dipping or washing. Every verse that I see in the Old Testament that has to do with washing, seems to be just that - a washing of dirt from the body. The Israelites had to wash their clothes before God spoke to them from Mt. Sinai. Again, I don't see any baptisms that resemble New Testament baptism in the Old Covenant.

And the washing of dirt from the body is precisely what NT baptism (water immersion) is not (1 Pet3:21).

However, it seems to me that this is getting off on a rabbit trail. The OP was about 1 Cor. 12:13 and Seabass said that water baptism was referred to here and that it IS necessary for salvation. I totally disagree. I believe 1 Cor. 12:13 refers to being "immersed" into the body of Christ by the Holy Spirit, which requires no water, just a repentant heart and faith in Jesus.

And here is where your thoughts betray you, for as we have discussed before, there is only one baptism in the NT Church. And that one baptism, through which we receive salvation, requires water as 1 Pet 3:21 states clearly. 1 Cor 12:13 cannot stand alone, cannot be taken out of the whole of the rest of Scripture and forced to say something that contradicts other Scripture.

This is baptism is synonymous with salvation, so it cannot be the same baptism that Jesus refers to in Acts 1:5, since all 120 persons in the upper room were already saved, which included the 12 apostles, with Matthias replacing Judas. That baptism was performed by Jesus Himself, according to John the Baptist who said that He (Jesus) would baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. Again, no water was necessary, rather Jesus immerses us into the Holy Spirit.

Precisely. The baptism of the Spirit mentioned in Acts 1:5, which as you have mentioned before is the same baptism of the Spirit that occurred in Cornelius' house, is not the baptism by which we are saved.

 

[dwight92070]

1 Cor.12:13 does not stand alone, nor does it contradict other scripture. Galatians 3:27 also speaks of being baptized into Christ (synonymous with the body of Christ).
Verse 26 makes it clear on what basis someone can become a child of God. Baptism? No - For you are all sons of God through FAITH in Christ Jesus. Verse 27 says that because we had faith in Jesus, we were baptized into Christ (by the Spirit - 1 Cor.12:13) and at the same time clothed with Christ.
Romans 6:3 also speaks of the same event: Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus (by the Holy Spirit) have been baptized into His death?

Regarding Cornelius and his household: In that case, the baptism of the Holy Spirit signified to Peter and his companions that Cornelius' household did indeed have faith in Jesus, and therefore were saved just seconds before the Holy Spirit fell on them. This still happens today. The baptism of the Holy Spirit can happen immediately after someone is saved or it can happen at a separate time after salvation. Some have received it years after salvation. For me it was 8-9 months later.

The one baptism by which we are saved is referred to in 1 Cor.12:13, Gal.3:27, and Romans 6:3, none of which include water.

 

[Doug Brents]

1 Cor.12:13 does not stand alone, nor does it contradict other scripture.

Indeed it does not. But it also does not speak of "spirit baptism". It speaks of the baptism that brings us new birth, resurrection in Christ, salvation; and that is in water baptism.

Galatians 3:27 also speaks of being baptized into Christ (synonymous with the body of Christ).

There is no reason to point out that this refers to the body of Christ (the Church), because being united with Christ in His resurrection is to become part of the Church. If you have one then you of necessity have the other.

How/when are we "baptized into Christ"? As you made the point in post #930, it is NOT in the "Spirit baptism" of Acts 1:5. But as 1 Pet 3:21 stresses, it IS in water baptism that we are saved/united with Christ/resurrected/reborn.

Verse 26 makes it clear on what basis someone can become a child of God. Baptism? No - For you are all sons of God through FAITH in Christ Jesus. Verse 27 says that because we had faith in Jesus, we were baptized into Christ (by the Spirit - 1 Cor.12:13) and at the same time clothed with Christ.

As has been pointed out many times, the function of the Spirit in uniting us with Christ does not preclude water baptism. On the contrary, there are many passages that indicate the action of the Holy Spirit and water baptism happen at the same time (Rom 6:1-7, Col 2:11-14, 1 Pet 3:21, John 3:5).

Romans 6:3 also speaks of the same event: Or do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus (by the Holy Spirit) have been baptized into His death?

And again, there is only one baptism in the NT Church. The baptism in Rom 6:3 is water baptism, because that is the baptism of the NT Church (Eph 4:5, 1 Pet 3:21, Acts 8:36).

Regarding Cornelius and his household: In that case, the baptism of the Holy Spirit signified to Peter and his companions that Cornelius' household did indeed have faith in Jesus, and therefore were saved just seconds before the Holy Spirit fell on them.

This is your conjecture, but it contradicts Scripture.

 

[dwight92070]

From WhatChristiansWanttoKnow by Jack Wellman I have had the amazing experience of leading our church elder’s father-in-law to Christ on his death bed. This gentleman had heard the gospel and knew about Christ but had never expressed his belief in Jesus’ atoning work on the cross. He was so weak that he could not get out of bed. He was extremely near death. When I shared the message of the gospel with this man in his “death bed” he finally expressed his belief in Jesus Christ and placed his trust in Him. I asked him if he believed that Jesus was born of a virgin, if he lived a sinless life, if he died on Calvary for our sins, if we was raised again in the resurrection….and this man say “Yes! I do believe”. He had tears in his eyes because I think he knew we was going to die soon. I believe with all my heart that this man came to saving faith while lying in his bed. He had no chance of ever being baptized. He could not even muster enough strength to get up out of bed to be baptized or join a church. He could not add one work to his faith except his belief in Christ. Less than two days later this man did die. No one can tell me that I will not see him in the kingdom of heaven or that since he was not baptized he was not saved.


The “death bed” conversion of that dying man was one of the most awesome experiences of my entire life. I cried like a baby. So did the church’s elder and his wife which was the man’s daughter. I have done similar things to others in nursing homes or assisted living care centers where people were near death or in their last days. They could not take the stress or strain of getting into or out of a tank, tub, or pool to be baptized, yet they still believed in Jesus Christ and placed their trust and faith in Him as their Savior.

 

[dwight92070]

Just like John 3:1-8 doesn't mention water baptism, so John 3:16 does not either - rather "believe in Him (Jesus)" and you "shall not perish".
vs. 18 "He who believes in Him is not judged; ... "

 

[Doug Brents]

Just like John 3:1-8 doesn't mention water baptism, so John 3:16 does not either - rather "believe in Him (Jesus)" and you "shall not perish".
vs. 18 "He who believes in Him is not judged; ... "

And the opposite of "belief" is "does not obey". Belief is not a passive, internal, mental thing. Belief is faith, which requires obedience, action. Water is mentioned in John 3:1-8, and John 3:16 don't have to mention water, because water baptism (the only baptism relevant to the NT Church (Eph 4:5)) is linked to salvation in 1 Pet 3:21, Acts 3:36, and John 3:5.

From WhatChristiansWanttoKnow by Jack Wellman I have had the amazing experience of leading our church elder’s father-in-law to Christ on his death bed. This gentleman had heard the gospel and knew about Christ but had never expressed his belief in Jesus’ atoning work on the cross. He was so weak that he could not get out of bed. He was extremely near death. When I shared the message of the gospel with this man in his “death bed” he finally expressed his belief in Jesus Christ and placed his trust in Him. I asked him if he believed that Jesus was born of a virgin, if he lived a sinless life, if he died on Calvary for our sins, if we was raised again in the resurrection….and this man say “Yes! I do believe”. He had tears in his eyes because I think he knew we was going to die soon. I believe with all my heart that this man came to saving faith while lying in his bed. He had no chance of ever being baptized. He could not even muster enough strength to get up out of bed to be baptized or join a church. He could not add one work to his faith except his belief in Christ. Less than two days later this man did die. No one can tell me that I will not see him in the kingdom of heaven or that since he was not baptized he was not saved.


The “death bed” conversion of that dying man was one of the most awesome experiences of my entire life. I cried like a baby. So did the church’s elder and his wife which was the man’s daughter. I have done similar things to others in nursing homes or assisted living care centers where people were near death or in their last days. They could not take the stress or strain of getting into or out of a tank, tub, or pool to be baptized, yet they still believed in Jesus Christ and placed their trust and faith in Him as their Savior.

This person's perception of a "deathbed conversion" is irrelevant. Just because he thinks that something happened, and refuses to hear any argument as to the truth, doesn't mean anything.

Just giving lip service to the truth of the fact that Jesus was born of a virgin, lived a sinless life, died on a Roman cross, and was raised from the dead does not have anything to do with salvation. Satan and his demons KNOW these things, yet they will spend eternity in Hell.

 

[dwight92070]

So you believe that all those who had a deathbed conversion are in Hell now?

 

[Doug Brents]

So you believe that all those who had a deathbed conversion are in Hell now?

There is nothing in Scripture that leads me to the conclusion that there is such thing as a "deathbed conversion". That is a concept made up by man to assuage the feelings of a person's survivors.

 

[dwight92070]

So I will take that as a "Yes". So I will have to add that to my list of what you and the Church of Christ believe - that is, if a person is dying, there's no use sharing the gospel with them, because if they aren't able to be baptized, it's too late for them.

It's too bad for the thief on the cross - and all this time, we thought he had gone to heaven.

 

[Doug Brents]

So I will take that as a "Yes". So I will have to add that to my list of what you and the Church of Christ believe - that is, if a person is dying, there's no use sharing the gospel with them, because if they aren't able to be baptized, it's too late for them.

When have I ever said that I speak for the Churches of Christ? NEVER!! I am not the Church of Christ, nor do I agree with everything they teach. Stop equating them with me and me with them.

It's too bad for the thief on the cross - and all this time, we thought he had gone to heaven.

The thief on the cross is not relevant to the NT Christ follower. He did not live into the NT era. He was promised salvation while Christ was still alive, and so he was never subject to the NT requirements for salvation.

And as for preaching to those on their deathbed, I have seen many who where on their deathbed lifted in the blankets/sheets, taken to water, and baptized when they expressed their belief in the Gospel. Just because they are too weak to get up themselves, doesn't mean they cannot be carried to salvation by others (see the lame man lowered through the roof to Jesus).