These words answer your hesitations about baptism and communion. Perhaps you're thinking, "I'm afraid to be baptized. It's such a solemn thing to declare myself dead and buried with Christ. I don't feel worthy to come to the Lord's Table. What if I eat and drink damnation to myself because I don't discern the Lord's body?"

Ah! Poor trembler, Jesus has given you liberty—be not afraid!

Think about it this way. If a stranger came to your house, he would stand at the door or wait in the hallway. He wouldn't dream of walking into your living room uninvited—he's not at home there. But your child? Your child runs freely through every room! And so it is with the child of God. A stranger dare not go where a child ventures freely.

When the Holy Ghost has given you to feel the spirit of adoption, you may come to Christian ordinances without fear. The same rule holds good for all your inward privileges.

You think, poor seeker, that you're not allowed to rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. You think if you could just get inside Christ's door, or sit at the bottom of his table, you'd be well content. Ah! But you shall not have less privileges than the very greatest saint. God makes no difference in his love to his children. A child is a child to him. He will not make you a hired servant when you are his child! You shall feast upon the fatted calf. You shall have the music and the dancing as much as if you had never gone astray.

When Jesus comes into the heart, he issues a general license to be glad in the Lord. No chains are worn in the court of King Jesus. Your admission into full privileges may be gradual, but it is sure.

Perhaps you're saying right now, "I wish I could enjoy the promises. I wish I could walk at liberty in my Lord's commands."

Here's your answer: "If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest."

Loose the chains of thy neck, O captive daughter, for Jesus makes thee free!