Understanding Baptism
Believe it or not, in order to understand the subject of baptism a person needs to understand the word “fruits.” Colossians 1:10 says that we are to please the Lord in every respect, bearing fruit in every good work. The logical conclusion, then, is that fruits are good works and God in heaven is glorified by our good works (Matt. 5:16). True disciples of Jesus Christ let their lights shine and are godly examples to others by their good works. Titus 2:7 says, “In all things be an example of good works.”
The theme of “works” or “fruits” is repeated many times in the Bible as a condition for true repentance. “Bring forth fruits in keeping with your repentance” (Matt. 3:8; Luke 3:8). People asked John the Baptist, “Then what shall we do?” (Luke 3:10). John told them to engage in a life of doing good works (Luke 3:11). Paul told ministers to constantly tell people to be careful to engage in good works for God’s glory (Titus 3:8). “Repent and turn to God, performing deeds appropriate to repentance” (Acts 26:20). It’s abundantly clear, then, that good works are necessary in order to repent, or live a life of repentance. Yet, very few people understand this concept.
Once you understand fruits are works, it’s easy to understand what James is talking about in James 2:14-26. He is discussing the same message of repentance. John says the same thing in 1 John 3:18-19. You turn to God and seek Him by doing good (Rom. 3:10-12; 2:7). When you do good works for repentance, you become a doer of the law and become justified by the blood of Christ. You are a true sheep (Rom. 2:13; James 1:22-25, 27).
To do God’s Will is to live a life of doing good for God in Christ’s name, and not to get weary (Heb. 13:16-21; Col. 3:17; Gal. 6:9; 2 Thess. 3:13). Doing the same kind of good works as Christ did, for Christ, is how you overcome evil (Rev. 2:26; Rom. 12:21). Simple, isn’t it? And Jesus says it’s very easy and pleasant (Matt. 11:30). The lowly know it is easy and pleasant (1 Cor. 1:26-28).
If you are now practicing this godly way of life and have put your hand to the plow, which represents a life of doing good works for God, and you are determined not to desire your old way of life again, then you are ready to be baptized. You have truly counted the cost, and you have truly repented because you are living the repentant life. You are now imitating Christ and the Father (1 Cor. 11:1; Eph. 5:1).
Educate yourself on the subject of baptism, through the articles on our website. Then, be baptized, as Jesus Christ was by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. (Matt. 28:19). Then, simply ask the Lord in prayer for His Holy Spirit and He will give it to you. You may even ask the Lord for a confirmation that He has given you His Spirit and He will give you that sign (Luke 11:13). Go directly to Jesus Christ in prayer (John 5:40).
Now, study God’s word daily to show yourself approved to God so that God can teach you how easy it is to put His words into daily practice in your life (2 Tim. 2:15; 3:16; Matt. 11:30). Continue living the life of a servant toward others daily and overcome the evil in you by continually doing good for God (Mark 9:35; Psalm 34:14; 37:27).
Pray always that you will be found worthy to escape what is about to come upon the world (Mal. 3:16-17; Rev. 12:14; Is. 2:10). Finally, do not get weary in doing good for God (2 Thess. 3:13; Gal. 6:9; Titus 2:7, 14; 3:8; Matt. 5:16). Do not be like many who profess His name, but deny Him by the way they continue to live (Titus 1:16). Instead, you will be rescued because your name is written in the book (Dan. 12:1).
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