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What Does the Bible Say About..Requirements Before Baptism?

My cousin told me that you go to Sunday school, then be baptized. I think that wouldn’t be that bad because I’m not sure if I know all I should to be baptized. But like you said you should try to get baptized a.s.a.p since your next minute isn’t promised. But I’m pretty sure I know much about why I should get baptized, because I have faith and want to be saved, want to start a new life sinless. So what should you know before getting baptized, and if you do know enough and should get baptized "immediately", where can I go, do all churches want you to go to Sunday school first?

Answer

Actually, it is pretty simple. You have to know that you are a sinner who needs to be forgiven. Otherwise you won’t see any value in baptism. You need to understand that Jesus died in order to save you from sin. (1 Timothy 1:15) You should understand (but probably don’t need to understand) that God wants your total commitment (Romans 12:1-2) and that it won’t be easy. That is it. You don’t need to know how to live perfectly. You don’t need to know a lot of details. All you need to know is that you need a savior, and Jesus is that savior. Anyone who asks that you know more than that is putting more on you than they need to.

You should go to anyone who will immerse you in water for the forgiveness of sins. Some churches will not immerse. Some will require that you join their church first. My recommendation is that you find in your area a congregation that may go by the designation of “church of Christ.” Most members of those congregations will be willing to baptize you as soon as they make sure you understand why you are doing what you are doing. If you can’t find such a congregation in your area, tell me where you live and I will find that information for you. I can usually even give you a name and a phone number of someone to contact.