WHY BE BAPTIZED? -Importance nof Repentance and Conversion

Importance of Repentance and Conversion

Except in the case of the sinless man Jesus, baptism is a God-approved symbol associated with repentance.  When we repent, we feel deep regret, or contrition, over something  we have done or have failed to do>  First-century Jews who wanted to please God had to repent of their sins against Christ.  (Acts 3:11-19) Certain Gentile believers in Corinth repented of fornication, idolatry, stealing, and other grave sins.  Because of their repentance, they were "washed clean"  in Jesus' blood; were "sanctified," or set apart, for God's service,and were "declared righteous"   in  God's name and with God's spirit.  (1 Corinthians 6:9-11) Repentance is a vital step toward gaining a good conscience and God-given relief from guilt over sin. -1 Peter 3:21.

Conversion must take place prior to our baptism as Witnesses of Jehovah.  Conversion is a voluntary act performed freely by one who has made a wholehearted decision to follow Christ Jesus.  Such individuals reject their former wrong course and determine to do what is right in God's sight.  In the Scriptures, Hebrew and Greek verbs pertaining to conversion have the sense of turning back, turning around.  This action denotes a turning to God from a wrong way.  (1 Kings 8:33, 34)  Conversion calls fro "works that befit  repentance.  (Acts 26:20) It requires that we abandon false worship, act in harmony with God's commandments, and render exclusive devotion to Jehovah.  (Deuteronomy 30:2, 8-10; 1 Samuel 7:3)  Conversion results in changes in our thinking, objectives, and disposition.  (Ezekiel 18:31) We "turn around" as ungodly traits are replaced by the new personality. -Acts 3:10; Ephesians 4:20-24; Colossians 3:5-14.

Next time: Wholehearted Dedication Vital

The Watchtower, 2002