Premise 1: Once saved you are always saved

It is important for New Believers to realize that when they make a heart level commitment to trust in Jesus for their salvation and to let Him be Lord of their life that their position in God’s Family is as secure as any promise or commitment God has ever made. You become a permanent part of His family and His love as a your new Father is set on you. No matter what He will never love you less than infinitely. Now that you are in the eternal family of God it is Him who will provide you the power to stay in the family. This is what Christians refer to as “The Assurance of the Believer.”

All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation,  and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.  And through your faith, God is protecting you by his power until you receive this salvation, which is ready to be revealed on the last day for all to see.

1 Peter 1:3-5

The Apostle Peter is talking about a pledge God makes that once you make a commitment to God to give your whole life to Him, He in turn gives you all that He has to give. That’s why we can live with great expectation because we now have an inheritance that will not change or decay. The second pledge God makes is that He promises to protect us from doing anything to forfeit it or be severed from this commitment. God’s power energizes faith in a believers heart the moment he is saved, and He promises to keep energizing their faith as long as they live.

Because God Himself has pledged both an unchanging inheritance and the power to preserve us for it, the believer’s hope is unshakable. Our salvation does not rest on our fragile strength, but on God’s eternal promise and sustaining power. He not only secures the inheritance but also keeps our faith alive until the day we see Christ face to face. This means we can live with confidence, peace, and joy—knowing that the One who called us is faithful and will surely keep us to the end.

Premise 2: You Are Now a Child of Grace

 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,  not a result of works, so that no one may boast.  For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Ephesians 2:8-10

The word grace (charis in Greek) means unmerited favor. The Apostle Paul makes it clear that our salvation is not something we could ever earn—it is a gift freely given by God and graciously enabled by Him for us to receive. Because God is perfectly righteous, no amount of human goodness or good deeds could ever measure up to His standard. Salvation, therefore, must be received as a free gift of grace.

When you placed your faith in Christ, you accepted this gift, and His righteousness was imputed—or credited—to you. This is often called the Great Exchange: all of your sins were laid on Christ at the cross, and in return, all of His righteousness was credited to your account. This is the only way sinful people can ever be fully justified before a holy God.

The world teaches that you only get what you deserve and that you must earn what you hope to keep. Grace runs completely counter to that. If we truly received what we deserved, it would be death and eternal separation from God. Scripture is clear: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), and “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). That means Mother Teresa, Billy Graham, and even the Apostle Paul himself—who wrote 13 New Testament letters—were in just as much need of God’s grace as anyone else. Salvation is not by works, so that no one can boast—it is wholly by God’s grace.

Grace Means Not Having To Perform In Order To Keep God’s Approval

God’s love and acceptance are not based on our performance but on Christ’s finished work. Grace means we don’t have to constantly strive, earn, or fear losing His favor—because His approval rests on Jesus, not on us. The same grace that saved us is the grace that sustains us. Our identity is secure, not in what we do, but in what He has already done.

This means that we don’t serve God because of fear or compulsion but because of love for who He is and what He’s done. This means we don’t serve God out of fear, guilt, or compulsion, as though His approval depended on our performance. Instead, we serve Him freely out of love—love for who He is and gratitude for what He has done in Christ. Grace transforms obedience from a burden into a joy, because our works are no longer an attempt to earn acceptance, but a response to the acceptance we already have.

“We love Him because He first loved us”

1 John 4:19

Grace means that our salvation is a gift God pledges never to take back. His love toward us as His adopted children is infinite and unchanging—it does not ebb and flow, rise or fall. It is all of God’s love, for all of time. Even when we stumble and sin (though we should strive not to), His love remains perfect, Christ’s righteousness remains fully credited to us, and His sacrifice stands as a once-for-all payment for our sins.

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to
do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love.

1 John 4:18

This amazing reality is what inspired John Newton to write the song “Amazing Grace”. Grace forgives, Grace is free, Grace continues, Grace is forever. This amazing grace is what compels us to to give our whole life and hearts to God.

Premise 3: God Has Given His Spirit To Help Sanctify Us

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, 
even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither
sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you.

John 14:16-17

The indwelling of the Holy Spirit is the action by which God takes up permanent residence in the body of a believer in Jesus Christ. When an individual accepts Christ as personal Savior, the Holy Spirit gives the believer the life of God, eternal life, which is really His very nature (Titus 3:5; 2 Peter 1:4), and the Holy Spirit comes to live within him spiritually.

When Jesus calls the Spirit our “Helper” in John 14–16, He uses the Greek word paraklētos. It literally means “one called alongside to help.” It can refer to a legal advocate in court, someone who stands with you and pleads your case, but it also carries the idea of encouragement, guidance, and strengthening in time of need. Here are the ways the Holy Spirit helps believers:

• Gives New Life “He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.” — Titus 3:5

• Confirms Belonging “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ.” — Romans 8:16–17

• Baptizes into Christ’s Body “For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.” — 1 Corinthians 12:13

• Distributes Spiritual Gifts “All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.” — 1 Corinthians 12:11

• Illuminates Scripture “Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God.” — 1 Corinthians 2:12

• Enriches Prayer Life“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words.” — Romans 8:26

• Empowers for Holy Living“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” — Galatians 5:16

• Produces Spiritual Fruit“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” — Galatians 5:22–23

• Convicts of Sin“And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” — Ephesians 4:30

• Seals for Redemption“In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.” — Ephesians 1:13–14

The fact that the Holy Spirit comes and indwells the believer means that He always had God with Him now and in the most intimate way imaginable. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit means that every believer now has God’s presence with them—not merely beside them or above them, but within them. This is the most intimate fellowship possible, a constant companion who never departs. Through the Spirit, God is not distant or detached but near and personal, guiding, comforting, and empowering us from the inside out. For more resources about the ministry of the Holy Spirit “click here”.

Premise 4: God Wants His Children to Grow Spiritually

Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

2 Peter 3:18

When Peter exhorts believers to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18), he is reminding us that salvation is the starting point of a lifelong journey, not the finish line. To grow in grace means to become more aware of God’s unmerited favor, learning to depend daily on His strength rather than our own. It means living in the freedom of forgiveness, extending grace to others as we ourselves have received it. To grow in knowledge is not just about gaining information—it is about deepening our personal relationship with Christ, learning His ways, His heart, and His truth so that our lives increasingly reflect Him. Together, grace and knowledge keep us from stagnation, helping us mature in character, endure trials with hope, and bear fruit that honors God.

Just as a loving parent invests in shaping the character of their children, God desires to form Christlike character in us. His goal is not only that we know Him but that we grow into maturity, reflecting His holiness, love, and wisdom in our daily lives. Spiritual growth is never meant to be kept to ourselves; God also wants us to become people who can encourage, teach, and guide others along their faith journey. This is so central to His purpose that He has supplied us with everything we need to grow. Chief among these resources is the Bible which is God’s inspired testimony about Himself, His plan for the world and eternity, His instructions for life, the church, society, and civic authority.

The Bible As God’s Inspired Word

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,  that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

Scripture, first and foremost, is from God and about God. It is His self-revelation to fallen humanity. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible unfolds God’s truth, His character, His attributes, and His divine plan for the redemption of mankind—those He created in His own image. It even points forward to the ultimate renewal of all creation. The Bible is not merely a collection of human wisdom, not even the insights of the most godly men. It is God’s truth—His own Word, expressed in His own words.

“All Scripture is breathed out by God” means that the ultimate source of Scripture is God Himself. While God’s Word is delivered through the lips and pens of human authors, it is God who sovereignly superintends the entire process. 

This powerful statement affirms that the Bible is not merely a collection of human ideas or reflections, but a divinely inspired revelation. The word inspiration (inspirare) in Latin actually means to “breathe into“. God, by His Spirit, worked through a variety of human authors—each with distinct personalities, writing styles, and cultural contexts—to communicate His truth with precision and authority. The result is a unified yet diverse collection of texts, encompassing historical records, poetry, narrative, prophecy, wisdom literature, and apostolic letters. Though these genres differ in form, they all share one ultimate source: the breath of God, ensuring that Scripture is both fully divine and profoundly human in its expression—perfectly suited to teach, correct, and transform lives.

The Bible Is God’s Chief Means of Training Believers

All Scripture ….is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training
in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work

2 Timothy 3:16-17

1. God’s Word is Profitable for Teaching

Scripture is first and foremost the authoritative source of truth. It reveals to us who God is—His character, His holiness, His love, His justice—and it helps us understand who we are as human beings created in His image yet marred by sin. Through its pages we learn about the origins of creation, the reality of sin, the promise of salvation, and the hope of eternity with God. Teaching in this sense is not just the transfer of information but the shaping of our worldview: it gives us a foundation for doctrine and belief, a reliable guide to distinguish truth from error, and a framework for living that aligns with God’s purposes. Without this instruction, we are left to our own shifting opinions and cultural trends, but with it, we gain an unchanging compass that directs us in what is right and anchors our faith.

2. God’s Word is Profitable for Reproof

“God’s word is profitable for reproof” highlights Scripture’s role in confronting us with the truth about ourselves. God’s Word does not merely affirm what we already believe; it exposes the lies we hold, the sins we excuse, and the paths we justify that lead us away from Him. Reproof carries the sense of conviction—it shines a light into the dark corners of our hearts and reveals what is inconsistent with God’s standards. This can be uncomfortable, but it is necessary, because without being shown where we are wrong, we would continue down destructive paths unaware. Scripture acts like a mirror, reflecting back to us the reality of our condition, calling out false teaching, misplaced priorities, and hidden sin. In doing so, it not only identifies the problem but also prepares us for the healing and correction that God wants to bring into our lives.

3. God’s Word is Profitable for Correction

“God’s word is profitable for correction” emphasizes that Scripture doesn’t stop at pointing out what is wrong—it also provides the remedy. Correction is about restoration, realignment, and putting things back in order according to God’s design. When Scripture reproves us, it doesn’t leave us in guilt or confusion; instead, it shows us how to change direction, how to repent, and how to rebuild our lives on truth. Just as a physician not only diagnoses an illness but prescribes a path toward healing, God’s Word not only identifies sin but also offers the way to be made whole. Correction takes us from being off course to being set back on the right path, helping us recover what was lost and learn to walk again in obedience. In this way, Scripture becomes a guide that lovingly redirects us, leading us step by step into greater faithfulness and maturity.

4. God’s Word is Profitable For Training in Righteousness

“Gods word is profitable for training in righteousness” shows us that God’s Word is not just for moments of crisis or correction, but for the ongoing, daily shaping of our character. The word “training” carries the sense of discipline, practice, and steady formation—much like an athlete who prepares for competition by consistent exercise. Scripture trains us to live in a way that pleases God, developing habits of holiness, love, humility, and obedience. It instructs us not only in what to avoid, but in how to actively pursue what is good, just, and true. This training equips us to handle both the ordinary and extraordinary challenges of life with wisdom and integrity. Over time, as we submit ourselves to the teaching of Scripture, it molds us into people who reflect the righteousness of Christ—not through our own strength, but through the transforming power of God’s Word at work within us.

For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.

Hebrews 4:12

The Bible is no ordinary book. It is divinely inspired and carries spiritual power to speak directly to the believer through the same Spirit who first inspired it. As such, it is essential to our spiritual growth—God’s highest priority for His children. Jesus Himself quoted Scripture, preached it, lived it, and even used it to rebuke Satan during His temptation. The Apostle Paul referred to it as the sword of truth. (Ephesians 6:17)

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted there by the devil.  For forty days and forty nights he fasted and became very hungry.

 During that time the devil came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.”

 But Jesus told him, “No! The Scriptures say,

‘People do not live by bread alone,
but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.

Matthew 4:1-4

The Word of God is the primary way God speaks to His children, just as prayer is our primary way of speaking to Him. For a new believer, a wise place to begin is with the Gospel of John, which clearly presents who Jesus is and why He came. From there, continuing through the rest of the New Testament helps lay a solid foundation of faith and understanding. Along the way, using a good study Bible with explanatory notes can be one of the best investments anyone can make, providing helpful background, context, and guidance for deeper learning and growth. For more resources about the Bible “Click Here”.

Premise 5: Prayer Is Like Breathing For The Christian

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer
and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

Phillipians 4:6

In the same way that the Bible, as the inspired Word of God, is His primary means of communicating with His children, prayer is our primary way of communicating with Him. Through Scripture, God speaks to us with clarity and authority, revealing His will, His character, and His promises. Through prayer, we respond—pouring out our hearts in worship, thanksgiving, confession, and requests.

When Christ died on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins, the greatest benefit was that the barrier sin had created between God and humanity was torn down. The “middle wall of separation” was broken, and now we enjoy direct, unhindered access to the throne of God as His children. Because of this, believers do not need to make an appointment with God or worry about being considered important enough to be heard. Through Christ, we are adopted into God’s family, welcomed as dearly loved sons and daughters, and our prayers are received with delight by our Father.

The Barrier Removed

• Ephesians 2:14 – “For He Himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility.”
• Matthew 27:51 – “At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split.” Symbolizing direct access to God because of Christ’s death.

Adoption as God’s Children

• Romans 8:15–16 – “The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, ‘Abba, Father.’ The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.”
• Galatians 4:6–7 – “Because you are his sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, ‘Abba, Father.’ So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir.”

Access to God’s Throne

• Hebrews 4:16 – “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
• Hebrews 10:19–20 – “Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, His body…”

Before we were saved, we had to walk through life on our own in a world far too big, dangerous, and complex for us to handle. But that is no longer the case. Now, we have the Creator of the universe as our loving Father and steadfast protector. Despite our unworthiness, He has, out of His great love, freely offered us His power, wisdom, and resources. All of this is made available to us through prayer—so long as we come before Him in a way that rightly honors His person and character.

Prerequisites for Answered Prayer

Prerequisite	Explanation	Full Scripture Text
Pray According to God’s Will	Our prayers must align with God’s purposes and desires, not simply our own wishes. When we pray according to His will, we can be confident He hears us.	1 John 5:14–15 – “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.”
Do Not Harbor Unconfessed Sin	Sin creates distance between us and God. Unconfessed sin hinders prayer, but confession restores fellowship and clears the way for God’s response.	Psalm 66:18 – “If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.” 1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
Pray with Faith	Prayer must be rooted in genuine trust that God both hears and is able to answer. Without faith, prayer becomes empty words.	James 1:6 – “But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” Hebrews 11:6 – “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
Pray Through Jesus	Our access to God was purchased by Christ’s death. We approach God in prayer through Him, not on our own merit.	John 14:13–14 – “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” Hebrews 10:19–20 – “Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body…”

Jesus talked about how powerful this kind of prayer can be.

Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.

Matthew 7:7-8

When are prayers are cloaked in the honor, and respect these prerequisites require prayer becomes something so powerful that even Satan becomes afraid of it.

What Various Hindrances We Meet—William Cowper

Premise 6: God Wants Us To Connect With Other Believers

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Hebrews 10:24-25

God is a relational God, having existed for all eternity in perfect, loving fellowship as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Out of this eternal love, He sent His Son, Jesus, to rescue a people for Himself—inviting them into that same relationship, a life of communion with Him that begins the very moment they are saved and continues forever. This reality is not only vertical, drawing us into intimacy with God, but also horizontal, binding us together as His family. God’s desire is that His children be deeply connected to Him through Christ by the Spirit, and at the same time meaningfully connected to one another. The Christian life is therefore never meant to be lived in isolation; it flows from the heart of a relational God who calls us into fellowship with Himself and into a community of love, encouragement, and unity with fellow believers.

How Does God Want Us To Do This?

1. Worship

The Bible instructs us to assemble together for many important reasons. While the author of Hebrews highlights the “encouragement of each other” in our faith as a primary purpose, the most important reason is corporate worship. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, God’s people have been called to gather in a sacred, designated place to hear His Word proclaimed, to worship Him through song and music, and to bring offerings of thanksgiving. This pattern of worship is woven throughout Scripture as central to the life of faith. Even Jesus, during His earthly ministry, gave us the supreme example by faithfully attending the synagogue every Sabbath—even when He was traveling in distant towns. His life underscored the importance of gathering with God’s people to honor the Father in worship.

And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom,
 he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read.

Luke 4:16

The word “worship” is often understood as “worthship,” the act of ascribing ultimate worth to God. In corporate worship, God’s people set apart a holy day for the specific purpose of gathering together to honor Him for His greatness, mercy, steadfast love, righteousness, and faithfulness. This has been central throughout Scripture—whether it was Israel in the Old Testament observing the Sabbath and assembling at the temple, or the Church in the New Testament gathering on the Lord’s Day.

What makes corporate worship so powerful and essential is that it is not merely individual devotion multiplied, but the united voices and hearts of God’s people lifting Him high together. In such gatherings, the focus shifts from personal needs to a collective declaration of God’s glory. Scripture promises that when His people come together with right motives and sincere hearts, God Himself is present among them.

Gathering at church to worship with other believers is not a form of religious routine—It is a sacred encounter where God strengthens His people, deepens their unity, and magnifies His presence.

2. We Assemble So We Can Help Each Other Grow

We assemble so we can help each other grow, because spiritual growth is not meant to happen in isolation. God designed the Christian life to be lived out in community, where believers can encourage, strengthen, and challenge one another in faith. When we gather, we remind each other of God’s promises, share in one another’s burdens, and celebrate God’s work in our lives. The wisdom, gifts, and experiences of others often provide exactly the encouragement or correction we need at just the right time. As Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” In this way, assembling together becomes a means of mutual growth—helping each of us become more mature in Christ, more steadfast in faith, and more equipped for every good work.

3. We Assemble For Personal Accountability

We assemble for personal accountability because gathering with other believers helps guard us from drifting in our faith. On our own, it is easy to justify sin, neglect spiritual disciplines, or grow discouraged, but in community we are lovingly reminded of God’s truth and called back when we wander. Fellow believers encourage us to remain faithful, challenge us to live with integrity, and provide support when we struggle. This kind of accountability is not about judgment or control, but about mutual care—helping one another stay aligned with God’s Word and walking in obedience to Him. As Hebrews 3:13 reminds us, “But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called ‘today,’ so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” Accountability within the assembly strengthens us to persevere and grow in holiness together.

4. We Assemble So We Can Meet Each Other’s Practical Needs

The phrase “God’s Family” is not merely symbolic. In God’s eyes, we are co-heirs with Christ and brothers and sisters to one another in the truest and most profound sense. Jesus Himself described believers as His primary family—speaking of this relationship as a literal reality, not just a metaphor.

While He was still speaking to the crowds, behold, His mother and brothers were standing outside, seeking to speak to Him. Someone said to Him, “Look, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, seeking to speak to You.”]  But Jesus replied to the one who was telling Him and said, “Who is My mother, and who are My brothers?”  And extending His hand toward His disciples, He said, “Behold: My mother and My brothers!  For whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven, he is My brother, and sister, and mother.”

Matthew 12:46-50

Just as we would never neglect gathering with our own family, nor ignore their needs if we had the means to help, God calls us to treat our spiritual family in the same way. He has providentially placed us together in our local church, assembling these relationships by His design—each of us alive in Christ at the same time and in the same place. This is no accident. Our church family is God’s chosen means of providing prayer, encouragement, and even practical support such as financial or medical help. In the same way, we are called to be equally intentional and committed in caring for them.

God’s purpose for the Christian’s involvement in the church was radically different from my gas-station approach. The church wasn’t merely a place to swing by for a fill-up. The journey of the Christian faith was supposed to be made with other believers. The church isn’t a gas station, I realized. It’s the bus I’m supposed to be traveling on.

Joshua Harris—Unearthing What I Believe and Why It Matters

Eighteen of the New Testament books were either written to churches, or leaders of churches, the church is referred to as the family of God, the Bride of Christ, and Jesus is referred to as head of the church multiple times. Most important to remember is that the Bible says He died for the church again and again.

But in case I am delayed, I write so that you will know how one should act in the
household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.

1 Timothy 3:15

It is impossible to diminish the importance of the church in God’s eyes and we as believers should do all we can to participate, financially support, and pray for “the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth.”

Premise 7: God Wants Us To Be Baptized

Baptism is not merely a ritual or tradition—it is a command from God and an outward expression of an inward reality. Jesus Himself was baptized to “fulfill all righteousness” setting an example for all who would follow Him.

Then Jesus arrived from Galilee at the Jordan, coming to John to be baptized by him.  But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I have the need to be baptized by You, and yet You are coming to me?”  But Jesus, answering, said to him, “Allow it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him. 

Matthew 5:13-15

After His resurrection, He gave His disciples the Great Commission, instructing them to “make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit”.

Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,

Matthew 28:19

Baptism symbolizes the believer’s union with Christ. When we go under the water, it represents dying to our old life of sin, and when we come up, it represents being raised to new life in Christ (Romans 6:3–4). It is a public declaration that we belong to Jesus—that we have turned from our sin and placed our faith in Him as Savior and Lord.

While baptism itself does not save us—salvation is by grace through faith in Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8–9)—it is the God-ordained response of obedience for those who believe. Just as a wedding ring does not make a person married but testifies to the covenant, baptism is a sign that we are part of God’s family, united with Christ and His Church.

Through baptism, we not only testify to the world about our faith but also enter into deeper fellowship with other believers. It is both deeply personal and profoundly communal, reminding us that God has adopted us into His family and called us to walk in newness of life.

Therefore, baptism is not optional—it is the joyful response of every true disciple. God desires that all who trust in Him would take this step of obedience, both to honor Him and to experience the blessing that comes from walking in His will.