The Way of Baptism, Part 2
When Are We Ready
For Baptism?
by Lisa Panasuk and Andrew & Matthew
Hohnberger with YD
Staff
Part 1
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As we studied about baptism, we discovered that we are ready for baptism when we surrender our lives fully to God. This includes several areas:
1. We love God, and know He loves us. This means giving up our own ideas, and trusting that God knows what is best for us. If we love Him, He has promised to work all things together for good (Romans 8:28). Whatever He asks us to do, or wherever He calls us to go, it will only be what He knows will lead us to Him and increase our eternal happiness.
2. We know the truth. “The preparation for baptism is a matter that needs to be carefully considered. The new converts to the truth should be faithfully instructed in the plain ‘Thus saith the Lord.’ The Word of the Lord is to be read and explained to them point by point” (Evangelism, page 308).
3. We practice the truth. “All who enter upon the new life should understand, prior to their baptism, that the Lord requires the undivided affections. . . . The practicing of the truth is essential. . . . None can depend upon their profession of faith as proof that they have a saving connection with Christ. We are not only to say ‘I believe,’ but to practice the truth. It is by conformity to the will of God in our words, our deportment, our character, that we prove our connection with Him” (Ibid, pages 308, 309).
4. We are converted. “Baptism. . . . means repentance for sin, and the entrance upon a new life in Christ Jesus. . . . If you are satisfied that your children understand the meaning of conversion and baptism, and are truly converted, let them be baptized” (Testimonies for the Church, Volume 6, pages 93, 94).
“We are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4).
What is true conversion?
“True conversion is a change of heart, of thoughts and purposes. Evil habits are to be given up. . . . A warfare must be waged against every evil trait of character;” “There is a daily, hourly dying to selfishness and pride” (Evangelism, page 311;
Messages to Young People, page 72). This teaches us that if we have a change of heart it will be demonstrated in a changed life.
Conversion is letting God do with our life as He wills. For example, when I am truly converted, if anger (or any other ungodly passion) rises in my heart, I will offer it to God and allow Him to fill my mind with loving thoughts. It will not always be easy: The battle against self is the hardest battle that can be fought. (For further study on this subject, read
Steps to Christ, page 43.)
In short, as we studied, we found that we are ready for baptism when we put away wrong beliefs and sinful practices—and yield ourselves to God, to do His will.
We challenge you to search the Word of God to prove for yourself the truth of this topic and each of the others in this series!
Part 1 | 2 | 3
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| 7 | 8 | 9
| 10 | 11
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