Scriptures on baptism (all verses taken from 2009 ISR Scriptures)
Matt 3:6 - ...and they were immersed by him in the Yarden, confessing their sins. Matt 3:13 - Then Yahushuah came from Galil to Yohanan at the Yarden to be immersed by him. Matt 3:14 - But Yohanan was hindering Him, saying, "I need to be immersed by You, and You come to me?" Matt 3:16 - And having been immersed, Yahushuah went up immediately from the water, and see, the heavens were opened, and He saw the Spirit of Elohim descending like a dove and coming upon Him... Matt 20:22 - But Yahushua, answering, said, "You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink, and be immersed with the immersion that I am immersed with?" They said to Him, "We are able." Matt 20:23 - And He said to them, "You shall indeed drink My cup, and you shall be immersed with the immersion that I am immersed with. But to sit on My right hand and on My left is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by My Father." Matt 28:19 - "Therefore, go and make taught ones of all the nations, immersing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Set-apart Spirit... Mark 1:5 - And all the country of Yehudah, and those of Yerushaylayim, went out to him and were all immersed by him in the Yarden river, confessing their sins. Mark 1:8 - "I indeed did immerse you in water, but He shall immerse you in the Set-apart Spirit." Mark 1:9 - And it came to be in those days that Yahushuah came from Natsareth of Galil, and was immersed with by Yohanan in the Yarden. Mark 10:38 - But Yahushuah said to them, "You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and be immersed with the immersion that I am immersed with?" Mark 10:39 - And they said unto Him, "We are able." And Yahushua said to them, "You shall indeed drink the cup that I drink, and with the immersion l am immersed with you shall be immersed... Mark 16:16 - "He who has believed and has been immersed, shall be saved, but he who has not believed shall be condemned." Luke 3:7 - He said therefore to the crowds that came out to be immersed by him, "Brood of adders, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?" Luke 3:12 - And tax collectors also came to be immersed, and said to him, "Teacher, what shall we do?" Luke 3:21 - And it came to be, when all the people were immersed, Yahushuah also being immersed, and praying, the heaven was opened... Luke 7:29 - And all the people, even the tax collectors, when they heard, declared Elohim righteous, having been immersed with the immersion of Yohanan. Luke 7:30 - But the Pharisees and those learned in the Torah rejected the counsel of Elohim for themselves, not having been immersed by him. Luke 12:50 - "But I have an immersion to be immersed with, and how distressed I am until it is accomplished!" Yohn 1:28 - This took place at Beyth Anyah beyond the Yarden, where Yohanan was immersing. Yohn 1:31 - "And I did not know Him, but that He might be revealed to Yisrael, therefore I came immersing in water." Yohn 3:22 - After this, Yahushuah and His taught ones came into the land of Yehudah, and He remained there with them, and was immersing. Yohn 3:23 - And Yohanan was also immersing in Ayin near Salim, because there was plenty of water there. and they were coming and being immersed... Yohn 4:1 - So when the Master knew that the Pharisees had heard that Yahushuah made and immersed more taught ones than Yohanan... Yohn 4:2 - ...although Yahushuah Himself did not immerse, but His taught ones... Yohn 10:40 - ...and went once more to the other side of the Yarden to the place where Yohanan was immersing at first, and there He stayed. Acts 1:5 - ...because Yohanan truly immersed in water, but you shall be immersed in the Set-apart Spirit not many days from now." Acts 2:38 - And Kepha said to them, "Repent, and let each one of you be immersed in the Name of Yahushuah Messiah for the forgiveness of sins.. And you shall receive the gift of the Set-apart Spirit." Acts 2:41 - Then those, indeed, who gladly received his word, were immersed. And on that day about three thousand beings were added to them. Acts 8:12 - And when they believed Philip as he brought the Good News about the reign of Elohim and the Name of Yahushuah Messiah, both men and women were immersed. Acts 8:13 - And Shimon himself believed also believed. And when he was immersed he continued with Philip, and was amazed, seeing the miracles and signs which took place. Acts 8:16 - ...for He had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been immersed in the Name of the Master Yahushuah. Acts 8:36 - And as they were going on the way, they came to some water. And the eunich said, "Look, water! What hinders me from being immersed?" Acts 8:38 - And he commanded the chariot to stand still. And both Philip and the eunich went down into the water, and he immersed him. Acts 9:18 - And immediately there fell from his eyes, as it were scales, and he recieved his sight. And rising up, he was immersed. Acts 10:47 - "Is anyone able to forbid water, that these should not be immersed who have recieved the Set-apart Spirit - even as also we?" Acts 10:48 - And he commanded them to be immersed in the Name of Yahushuah Messiah. Then they asked him to remain a few days. Acts 11:16 - "And I remembered the word of the Master, how He said Yohanan indeed immersed in water, but you shall be immersed in the Set-apart Spirit." Acts 16:15 - And when she was immersed, and her household, she begged us, saying, "If you have judged me to be believing in the Master, come to my house and stay." And she urged us. Acts 16:33 - And taking them in that hour of the night, he washed their wounds, and immediately he was immersed, he and all that were his. Acts 18:8 - And Crispus, the ruler of the congregation, did believe in the Master with all his household. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were immersed. Acts 19:3 - And he said to them, "Into what then were you immersed?" And they said, "Into Yohanan's immersion." Acts 19:4 - And Shaul said, "Yohanan indeed immersed with an immersion of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe in the One who is coming after him, that is, in Messiah Yahushua." Acts 19:5 - And when they heard this, they were immersed into the Name of the Master Yahushuah. Acts 22:16 - And now, why do you delay? Rise up, be immersed, and wash away your sins, calling on the Name of Yahushuah. Romans 6:3 - Or do you not know that so many of us as were immersed into Messiah Yahushuah were were immersed into His death? Romans 6:4 - We were therefore buried with Him through immersion into death, that as Messiah was raised up from the dead by the esteem of the Father, so also we should walk in newness of life. 1Cor 1:13 - Has the Messiah been divided? Was Shaul impaled for you? Or were you immersed in the name of Shaul? 1Cor 1:14 - I thank Elohim that I immersed not one of you except Crispus and Gaios... 1Cor 1:15 - ...that no one should say that I immersed in my own name. 1Cor 1:16 - Now I did also immerse the household of Stephanas. For the rest, I do not know whether I immersed anyone else. 1Cor 10:2 - ...and all were immersed into Moshe in the cloud and in the sea... 1Cor 12:13 - For indeed by one Spirit we were all immersed into one body, whether Yehudim or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink into one Spirit. 1Cor 15:29 - Otherwise, what shall they do who are immersed for the dead, and if the dead are not raised at all? Why indeed are they immersed for the dead? Gal 3:27 - For as many of you as were immersed into Messiah have put on Messiah. Eph 4:5 - ...one Master, one belief, one immersion... Col 2:12 - ...having been buried with Him in immersion, in which you also were raised with Him through the belief in the working of Elohim, who raised Him from the dead. 1Kepha 3:21 - ...which figure now also saves us: immersion - not putting away the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward Elohim - through the resurrection of Yahushuah Messiah... I |
Study on baptism
The Definition of Baptism In Greek, it literally means "immersion" or "dipping." Though the word for baptism in Greek means immerse or dip, not all Christians use this mode when baptizing. Many sprinkle water on the head and some pour. We believe that immersion of the total body in water is the proper mode, not only because of the meaning of the word, but because the Renewed Testament indicates that this was the mode followed by Messiah Yahushua and the early disciples. Also immersion best expresses the significance of baptism as the Renewed Testament explains it. We believe that sprinkling and pouring came later as concessions by church leaders. The History of Baptism In the Tanakh water was used ceremonially in rites of cleansing. Yahuah commanded the Yahudim people (Exodus 30:17 21) to build a bronze wash basin, and to place it before the Mishkah and later before the Temple. The priests cleansed themselves in the bronze wash basin before performing their services in the tabernacle and the Temple. In a number of places in the Torah Israelis are commanded to purify themselves by washing their entire bodies in water after certain practices or contacts which are considered defiling. For example, a man who had a nocturnal emission or a woman who had her menstrual period or persons having bodily contact with such individuals during these times, were required by the Law to wash their bodies thoroughly in clean water (Leviticus 15:1 6,11:6 18 and Leviticus 22:4 6). It is clear from these passages and others like them that water is regarded in the Tanakh as signifying cleansing and a renewal of life from defilement. Baptism is an Ancient Yahudi Practice After Scriptural Times There is a great deal of ancient testimony that indicates that the Yahudi people practiced many washings and dippings in water as rituals. Not only were the bodies of people dipped and immersed in water but also household articles were as well. The practice of Netilat-Yadayeem - washing the hands before eating - is still practiced by traditional Yahudim. The Talmud and other rabbinical writings mention the practice of baptizing proselytes to Yahudaism. Baptism was a familiar practice among the Yahudi people before the beginnings of the Messianic Yahudi movement began. Baptism is a Continuing Yahudi Practice Moses Maimonides and other medieval rabbis mention the importance of baptizing proselytes. In addition, the practice of tevilah, ritual cleansing and purification in a pool of water, has been practiced among Orthodox Yahudim up to the present times. Gentile converts to Yahudaism are still required to use be baptized. The meaning of these rites in Yahudaism is that of cleansing and a new beginning. Baptism in The Renewed Testament Messiah Yahushua was immersed before He started His public ministry (Matt 3:13-17, Yohn 1:28-34). His baptism was His declaration to Yisrael that He was prepared to begin His ministry. All of Messiah's followers are commanded to be immersed. Yahushua commanded His disciples to go into all the world and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit (Matt 28:19). To baptize in the one name of our Elohim, did not only mean a formula of words but in the authority and character of the Father, Son and Spirit. The Meaning of Baptism Baptism involves Repentance: The challenge of Simon Kepha on the day of Shavuot was: repent and let each one of you be immersed in the name of Messiah Yahushua (Acts 2:38). The idea of an unbaptized believer is not entertained in the Renewed Testament. Baptism means cleansing: Arise and be immersed, and wash away your sins, calling on His name (Acts 22:16). You will come out of the water a new creation, fresh, clean and eternally new. Keep your life clean by living for Messiah, and confessing your sins to Him and repenting if you sin. Baptism means identifying with Messiah in His death, burial and resurrection: The baptized person acknowledges by this that he has chosen to turn completely away from their old life, characterized by sin and rebellion against Yahuah's will, and to turn completely toward the new life which Messiah offers. Going down into the water means death and burial and coming up out of the water as means resurrection. By being immersed the new believer is saying: I was joined to Messiah when He was judged for sin and put to death. His death was my death. I die with Him. I was buried along with Him, and I am also joined to His resurrection. His resurrection is my resurrection. His eternal indestructible life is now my life. From now on you will be forever linked and identified with Yahushua. (See Romans 6:2-4, Ephesians 4:4-6, Colossians 2:12). Baptism is a public declaration of your faith: when one is baptized he expresses, not only their union with the Messiah, but with all true believers and with the belief and truth which express Yahuah's true revelation concerning mankind's salvation. The whole faith is a total unity of which baptism is an integral part. There is One body (a true spiritual unity of all believers), one spirit (the Holy Spirit who gives spiritual life to every believer), one elohim (the Messiah), one faith (the one true way of trusting Yahuah and the one true body of truth related to that trust), one baptism (the one true ordinance given by Elohim expressing this great unity) and one Yahuah and Father of all (see Ephesians 4:4 6). Baptism means joining the Messianic community: not only are you identified with Messiah, but now you are a recognized part of the Messianic community. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Yahudim or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13). Water baptism is a picture of the spiritual reality that has already taken place, that the Spirit of Yahuah has placed you into the body of Messiah, His kodeh community. By being immersed you will follow in a long line of Yahudi and Gentile saints and holy men and women of Yahuah going back to 2000 years to Messiah Yahushua Himself. Take your full place in Messiah's body and be a faithful member of our community. Baptism means a new beginning: corresponding to that, baptism now saves you - not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to Yahuah for a good conscience through the resurrection of Messiah Yahushua (1 Kepha 3:21). Just as Noach and his family were brought safely through the waters of the flood, we can be brought to safety and experience salvation by following Yahushua, Who is like the ark, and by being immersed in water, the water of baptism. Kepha makes it clear that baptism is only a symbol, a type, a picture. Baptism itself, getting immersed in water, doesn't actually save you - it only removes dirt from your body by making you wet! What really saves you is the reality which being immersed is a symbol of - asking Yahuah to give you a good conscience that will do what is right, say what is right things, and live the right way. Baptism is asking Yahuah for a new beginning, a fresh start, that you will now put Yahuah and Messiah Yahushua at the very center of your mind, heart and soul, and do things Yahuah's way. What is the basis that enables us to get this good conscience? Yahushua's resurrection from the dead! His real and historical death, and His real and historical resurrection, when combined with our faith in Him, enables us to get a good conscience, to experience atonement, be forgiven for all of our sins, and to start doing the things that really please Yahuah, and head in the right direction. What Baptism Does Not Do Baptism does not save you (1 Kepha 3:21). It is not the washing of water from the body that saves you, it is the appeal to Yahuah for a good conscience. Messiah Yahushua saved you already. This is a picture of what He has already done for you, and a prayer for Him to continue to save you. Baptism is to be administered to those who are able to exercise repentance and belief: hence, not children below an age of accountability. See Mark 1:15, 16:16, Acts 2:38 39. If you are a Yahudite, baptism is not a renunciation of your Yahudi identity, since you are now a loyal subject of Yahushua, the King of the Yahudim, but the fulfillment of it. Ezekiel 36: 24 For I will take you from the nations, gather you from all the lands and hay-vaytee et-chem el ah-dah-mat-chem - bring you into your own land. Notice that this Land is specifically designated for the Yahudi people in it). In spite of being an embarrassment to Yahuah during our exile among the nations, profaning Yahuah's name, causing disrepute to the Elohim of Yisrael's reputation, gracious Yahuah will nevertheless demonstrate to the nations, that He is holy, reliable, and trustworthy, by taking us out of the Exile, and returning us to our own land. He can be counted on, even if His people can't. Let's call this Phase One: Yisrael's physical restoration to the land. Next comes Phase Two: Yisrael's spiritual restoration to Yahuah: 36:25 Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your filthiness and from all your idols. Next Yahuah promises to sprinkle the Yahudi people with clean water. The sprinkling of water is a symbol for spiritual cleansing. Whereas we were unclean, this sprinkling will bring cleansing, cleansing from all our filthiness and from all our idols. There will be a turning away from the idols of false religion that the Yahudi people have adopted, which I can only understand to mean the Yahudaism of the rabbis - all non-Messianic Yahudaism, and other non-scriptural influences that we have followed: perhaps the new age and eastern philosophies that are becoming more prevalent today, the philosophical ideas of Darwinism and evolution that are so unscriptural and destructive. This spiritual restoration to Yahuah includes a national spiritual rebirth: 36:26 Moreover, I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. We will go through a spiritual rebirth. This is the promise of the new birth, spiritual regeneration, new life from above, a new -desire to love, follow and serve Yahuah that comes from the heart. Whereas the Yahudi people have had a heart of stone - tough, hard hearted toward Yahuah, the heart of our people will finally and truly be soft, malleable, tender towards Yahuah our Elohim. We are promised the indwelling presence of Ruach Ha Kodesh - the Spirit of Yahuah. Elohim will place His Spirit, the Spirit of Truth, within us, and we will suddenly find ourselves with a new desire to please Yahuah, a new desire to serve Yahuah, a new awareness that we need to be careful to observe Yahuah's ordinances, not the man made traditions and laws that the rabbis have imposed. Then we will really do Yahauh's chukkim - statutes, and His mishpatim - His ordinances - and not the false teachings of the non-Messianic Yahushua denying rabbis of the Galut. Then we will really do Yahuah's chukkim - statutes, and His mishpatim - His ordinances - and not adhere to the pagan ideologies and philosophies of the nations, like evolutionism. Then the Spirit of Yahuah Himself will be our Rabbi, and He will guide us into all truth. We will do and fulfill Yahuah's Torah - not man-made rabbinic interpretations. Other Forms of Baptism In addition to water baptism, the Renewed Testament also mentions baptism with the Holy Spirit (see Matt 3:11, Yohn 1:33 and 3:5, and Acts 1:5) and baptism with fire (Matt 3:11 12, Luke 3:16 17, and Mark 9:42 43 and 47 48). The baptism in or with the Holy Spirit refers to the Spirit of Yahuah entering into the life of a believer, giving them new life at the time they place true faith in Messiah. The baptism of fire refers to the purging of Yahuah's judgment, either to separate what is unclean out of the life of a true believer or to separate unbelievers from believers at the last judgment. These "baptisms" are in addition to, and not in place of, water baptism. We are told that we are buried with Yahushua through baptism to the end that we walk in a new life, Romans 6:4. That means that we undergo a unique transformation. Before you take the important step of immersion, you must understand all its ramifications for your present and future life. When a person is called to the truth, he or she is convicted to do all that Yahuah requires. A desire wells up inside to be obedient in everything that the Scriptures command. Key to that obedience is the ordinance of baptism. The Scriptures teach baptism; the Apostles performed it; Yahushua Himself submitted to it as an example to us; and the Holy Spirit is given as a direct result of it, Acts 2:38. Whether or not to submit to baptism into Yahushua’s Name to become a son or daughter of Yahuah Almighty is the most important decision you as a believer will make. To think of immersion as a mere formality or just an outward sign of an inward change is to trivialize what is an essential act of salvation for every true worshipper seeking the kingdom. Neither is the rite of baptism like some incantation that automatically changes your life. Baptism results from deep faith, sincere repentance, and a total commitment to real change in the life you live, while learning Yahuah’s truths. Baptism is a prerequisite to salvation itself? Therefore, immersion in the baptismal waters is no small matter. We read Yahushua’s words in Mark 16:16: “He that believes and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believes not shall be damned.” He also said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of Elohim,” Yohn 3:5. Are You Willing to Permanently Change? A principal truth of Yahuah’s Word is the simple fact that Yahuah will bar those from His kingdom who are still in their natural, sinful, human condition. We must first be changed in heart to take on the mind of Yahushua. He told a parable of the man who was ejected from the wedding of Yahushua and His chosen Bride because he lacked a wedding garment. The spiritual message is that we cannot approach Him unprepared and unchanged in heart (Matt. 22:12-14). In order to be considered one of Yahuah’s sons or daughters a dynamic transformation in your very thinking must first occur. That change includes the desire to put sin out of your life by leaving behind the old nature in the burial waters of baptism. You come out of the water a new person, a new creation with a different way of looking at life. See Ezekiel 18:31. As a result, instead of living for yourself and seeking always to satisfy personal wants and ambitions, you as a converted child of Yahuah desire above all else to obey Him and live for Him for the remainder of your life. What was once important to you as a carnal individual now takes a backseat to pleasing Yahuah in everything. It means nothing less than surrendering your very life to your Creator. It comes down to saying, “All that you have said in your Word I will do and be obedient.” Shaul describes it as “putting on Messiah,” Galatians 3:27. Yahuhua now rules your thoughts and your actions. His life becomes the pattern for your life. Through Yahuah’s Spirit you see the world and look at your life through His eyes. You see your earthly existence as nothing less than training for an everlasting kingdom. Before you commit to baptism and submit to the waters of immersion, you must be absolutely sure of your decision. You must be aware that there are severe consequences if you do not following through in your commitment to Yahuah after your baptism. The irrevocable promise you make at immersion includes complete obedience to Yahuah. No Turning Back At baptism you make a commitment to Yahuah to be faithful until death. Through immersion you enter into a unique Renewed Covenant promise with Him. A vow in Yahuah’s eyes is a binding pledge with an extremely high price for going back on your commitment. Ecclesiastes 5:4-5 warns, “When you vow a vow unto Yahuah, defer not to pay it; for He has no pleasure in fools: pay that which you have vowed. Better is it that you should not vow, than that you should vow and not pay.” The language of Numbers 30:2 is very clear: “If a man vow a vow unto Yahuah, or swear an oath to bind his soul with a bond; he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.” Immediately after Yahushua was immersed by Yohn, He underwent trials from the adversary in Matthew 4, Luke 4. He was tempted three separate times to be unfaithful to His commitment to Yahuah His Father. Similarly, once you repent and submit to Yahuah through the waters of immersion, you will be tried and tempted in some fashion. Satan never gives up in his unholy efforts because he wants you — Yahuah’s very own son or daughter — as a prize for himself. In a moment of weakness you may at some point stumble and make a mistake. But Yahushua is our Advocate with the Father and Yahuah will forgive us if we truly, sincerely, and with our whole heart turn back to Him in humble submission, seeking His forgiveness. Yahuah will show mercy to the humble and sincere person who honestly seeks His forgiveness and promises to not repeat the sin. However, if after you are baptized you turn completely away from the truth and reject His Word, then you are in dire straits. At that point repentance is no longer possible, Hebrews 6:6, Exodus 15:2-3. With no access to forgiveness of his sin, the heretic backslider faces eternal death, Yakov 1:15. Before you take the irrevocable step of immersion you must ask yourself, am I willing to be obedient in all things for the sake of the kingdom? Do I desire with my whole being? ·To put Yahuah first in my life through my worship, my time, and my offering and to place Him before my spouse, family, friends and job? · To keep all His annual Feasts every year, along with the weekly Sabbath? Am I prepared to find other employment if necessary in order to be faithful to the Feasts and the Fourth Commandment? · To be an example to others of a true believer in Yahuah in my actions and behavior each day? · To be willing to change when I am shown to be in error? If your answer to any of these is no, or if you have reservations about any of these questions, then you may not be ready for immersion. Baptism requires a complete change of heart and life. Adhering to the truth of the Word is all about personal change and walking a different path that leads to salvation. We are commanded to come out of the world (2Cor. 6:17), and that means to leave error and follow truth. You must be willing to make permanent changes in the way you live your life so that you will be found worthy of the kingdom. Living for Yahuah will entail difficulty at times. Shaul wrote, “Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of Elohim, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of Elohim, for which you also suffer.” (NASV) Nothing worthwhile comes easy. That is especially true of the kingdom. Repent and Turn Your Life Around Every person on the planet has sinned, Romans 3:23, and sin rules in the lives of all unrepentant people. Each has racked up a grave penalty for their sins. Sin must be expunged from our lives if we hope to see the Father. Yahuah’s Spirit can’t live in the same person who has filthy, unrepented sin there as well. The only way to remove the penalty of sin is to partake in the death and resurrection of Yahushua, which is accomplished through baptism. Colossians 2:12 explains, “Buried with Him in baptism, wherein also you are risen with Him through the faith of the operation of Elohim, who has raised Him from the dead.” Repentance is central to baptism and the removal of sin. A serious introspection of one’s life must occur prior to baptism. Repentance means more than just feeling sorry for one’s sins. It means a complete turnaround in one’s attitude and life. Yohn gives us a wonderfully clear definition of true repentance in Matt 3. There was nothing about Yohn the Baptist’s message that was warm and fuzzy. It was harsh, it was strong, it was confrontational, and it was devastating because Yohn understood how prone the sinner is to a shallow, superficial repentance that does not save. Yohn knew of the kind of repentance that the sinner must have. But at the same time, because it is such a clear definition of true repentance, it also exposes false repentance, or shallow repentance, or non-saving repentance. The common term in the Tanakhfor repentance is sub. Two requisites of repentance included in sub are “to turn from evil,” and “to turn to the good.” It means turning away from evil and turning to Yahuah. Three times Ezekiel included Yahuah’s call to the people of Yisrael: “Repent! Turn from your idols and renounce all your detestable practices!” (14:6); “Repent! Turn away from all your offenses” (18:30); “Turn! Turn from your evil ways” (33:11). The Septuagint underlines this idea by usually translating sub by epi (apo-)strepho (to turn about, or to turn away from). To be abandoned are both evil intentions and evil deeds, and both motive and conduct are to be radically changed. A striking example is found in Isaiah 1:16-17: “Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight! Stop doing wrong. Learn to do right.” In Luke 13:3 and 5 Yahushua said, “If you don’t repent, you’ll perish.” In the Renewed Testament Greek versions repentance is the noun metanoia and means a real change of mind and attitude toward sin itself and the cause of it, not merely the consequences of it, which affects the whole life and not merely a single act. Yahuah promises that forgiveness will follow true repentance, Ezekiel 18:21-23. You can’t dabble in the truth. You are either in or you are out. You can’t sit on the fence. You can’t be lukewarm. Yahushua said the lukewarm or only partly committed individual is going to be spewed out like a drink of warm water. You either get in the action or you sit on the sidelines. Yohn the Baptist said you need to do a search of your heart. You need to turn from your sins. You need to see the dark and the low and the gross and base elements of your life. You need to see the proud nature of your heart and the perverse and crooked things and every other hindrance in your life for what it is...obstacles that keep you from walking rightly with Yahuah. True repentance requires a complete and full admission of one’s sinfulness...depth and height and length and breadth. This is written with the hope that you will come to know what baptism means and how serious and permanent a decision it is for your life. Be sure that you are completely ready to commit your life to Yahuah and to be faithful in all things before you submit to the waters of immersion. Prayerfully seek Yahuah for guidance. Repent of your sins. And then may the angels in heaven rejoice (Luke 15:10). |