Questions

"He who believes [who adheres to and trusts in and relies on the Gospel and Him Whom it sets forth] and is baptized will be saved [from the penalty of eternal death]; but he who does not believe [who does not adhere to and trust in and rely on the Gospel and Him Whom it sets forth] will be condemned." Mark 16:16 (the Amplified Bible)

A woman, talking to a pastor about spiritual things, made the following comment: "Don't talk to me about baptism! I have been baptized three times, and not one of them took." Just like a wedding, baptism will not "take" unless a meaningful relationship has preceded the ceremony.

1. What preparation for baptism can you find in Matthew 28:19-20?

Notice that spiritual understanding (In the KJV, Jesus said "teach;" in the NIV He says, "make disciples") is to precede baptism. In other words, you need to become acquainted with Jesus. This happens as you spend time with Him each day.

2. What preparation for baptism can you find in Mark 16:16? In addition to your own study Bible, check out the Amplified Bible (printed at the bottom of the introduction page).

The Amplified Bible expands "believe" to "trusting in and depending on" Jesus. The way you grow to trust someone who is completely trustworthy is to get to know him. As you spend time getting to know Jesus, you will trust Him more!

By they way, please notice that the text does NOT say, "He who does not believe AND IS NOT BAPTIZED will be condemned." Eternal life is not based upon baptism! It is the result of having a personal relationship with Jesus. Baptism, like a wedding, is a public declaration of that relationship.

3. What additional preparation for baptism is mentioned in the following texts?

• Mark 1:4
• Acts 2:38

4. Where does repentance come from?

• Acts 5:31
• Romans 2:4
• 2 Corinthians 7:9

Repentance is not something we do--it is something Jesus gives us as we remain focused on Him! When we see His love for us, when we realize the contrast between what we are like and what Jesus is like, and when we understand that our failures break the heart of Jesus, not only will we be sorry, we will want to quit sinning. That is repentance!

5. What symbolism does Paul give to baptism in Romans 6:4-6?

What a beautiful picture of Jesus becoming real in our lives. Baptism is like being buried with Jesus in death (death to our old way of living) and being raised up, or resurrected to a new life in Jesus!

6. According to the New Testament, how is baptism accomplished?

• Matthew 3:16
• Matthew 28:19
• John 1:26
• Acts 8:38-39

If you consult a Bible Dictionary you will discover the word "baptize" comes from the Greek word "baptizo", which means to "immerse, dip, or submerge." This is important because it provides a physical demonstration of the symbolism Paul used in Romans 6 (see question 5).

7. To those who knew Jesus, baptism was important because it told the world that they belonged to Him. Note some of those who also participated in this ceremony.

• John 3:22
• John 4:1-2
• Acts 2:38
• Acts 8:12
• Acts 19:4-5

8. What happens when, by baptism, you take a stand for Jesus?

• John 1:31
• Galatians 3:27
• Matthew 10:32

Baptism is a way of saying publicly that you commit yourself to an eternal friendship with Jesus, that you accept His offer of forgiveness, cleansing and new life. It is a formal pledge to spend time becoming better friends with Him each day. In a way, it is like voting a huge YES! for Jesus, realizing that He is voting a huge YES! for you.

WE PROMISE: We will NOT visit, phone, mail, or otherwise harass you. YOU will initiate any interaction.