SALVATION & BAPTISM
First steps in our relationship with Jesus
Once an individual has chosen to be a disciple of Jesus Christ, they must be baptized and learn to follow His commands (see Matthew 28:19–20). Review the information below to gain a good understanding of both salvation and water baptism.
SALVATION
God loves you and has a plan for your life. When we hear words like these, we tend to think about God’s unique, personal purpose for us. What big thing is God going to do with my life? How will he bless me? Before we go there, we must first see God’s plan and purpose for all people.
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God lovingly created the human race to be like Him (Genesis 1:27), to know Him (John 17:3), and to be with Him forever (Revelation 21:3–4).
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We have all sinned against God. Because of our sin, we were separated from Him (Romans 5:12), judged guilty by God’s Law and sentenced to death (Romans 7:9–10), and “crucified with Christ” (Romans 6:6). (But God still intends for us to be like Him, to know Him, and to be with Him.]
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Since Jesus Christ died on the cross for us, we are reconciled to God and forgiven (2 Corinthians 5:19). God reconciled ‘separated’ people; He forgave ‘guilty’ people. And because Jesus was raised from the dead and is alive now, He is offering life to ‘crucified’ people (1 Corinthians 15:20–22). He can give us a new heart, a new spirit, and place His Holy Spirit within us (Ezekiel 36:26–27).
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Salvation begins with my spirit. The Holy Spirit comes to live inside me, bringing to life a new and living human spirit within me (John 3:6–7). The Holy Spirit and my spirit agree together that I am a child of God.
Salvation develops in my soul as I believe and obey the Bible and the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:5–16). From these ‘faith’ experiences, I grow to know Jesus personally and relationally, and I become more and more like Him.
Salvation will culminate with my body. The Holy Spirit living in me is God’s guarantee that salvation will be completed when Jesus returns for his people (John 14:2–3). Then, even my body will be changed forever to be with Him.
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“Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself” Acts 2:38–39 (NASB1995).
“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” Romans 10:9 (ESV).
BAPTISM
Watch the baptism video to learn more about the subject. When you’re ready, select the Baptism Sign-Up button for your campus to schedule your next step.
