Bible Question: I have been told that church membership is required before being baptized. Is this true? |
Bible Answer: Many people go to be baptized, but they have so little knowledge of the Bible and of Jesus that they cannot understand or believe on Jesus with all their heart. In some countries, people may gather in great numbers to be baptized; yet when each one is questioned, "Who is Jesus?", many do not know Who He really is. To many, He is nothing more than a name and a person they sing about. They have no saving knowledge or faith. They are not ready for baptism. Mk 16:16-HE THAT BELIEVETH AND IS BAPTIZED SHALL BE SAVED; BUT HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT SHALL BE DAMNED. Note, "BELIEVING" must be in place before water baptism is done; and "believing" is to be WITH ALL THINE HEART. A person cannot believe on or be baptized into One in whom they know nothing about. Many preachers and elders wrongly baptize these people without ever discerning if they believe on Jesus and understand who He is, and what He did. You become a member when you enter into the family of God. God bless |