Question:
I have been baptized...now what?
Answer:
At the age of fifteen, I decided to be baptized into Jesus Christ for the remission of my sins. Up to this point, it seemed as though the goal of my teachers, parents and brothers and sister was to encourage me to be baptized. Yet, once I did make that decision it seemed as though there were a few moments of confusion afterwards. I thought to myself, “Well, I did it. I have been baptized…now what?” This is the article I wish I would have read ten years ago when I made that decision to obey Jesus Christ. Here are some ideas, based on Biblical examples, of things we should do after we put our faith in Jesus Christ.
Use your every opportunity to continue learning. In Acts 2, after “three thousand souls were added” to the church by baptism (41), we find these same individuals continuing to learn. Verse 42 says, “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” These new converts continue to learn from the apostles. In fact, they did so “steadfastly.” This term implies consistency. Every time the apostles were teaching, these new disciples were there learning. Is this your goal? Do you plan to attend every Bible study, every worship service, every singing, every night of a gospel meeting, every opportunity to learn? In addition, are you willing to study for yourself at home as the Berean converts did (Acts 17:11)? Is prayer a regular habit in your life? Spiritual results will come as we use spiritual opportunities.
Spend time with other Christians. We read more about these first converts in Acts 2:44-46, “Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people.” These first Christians did not just get baptized and think there was nothing more to do. They began developing stronger relationships with one another. This bond was formed by learning together at public assemblies and by spending time together in one another’s homes. Cultivating relationships with other Christians helps us grow stronger in our effort to serve Christ.
Teach someone else. After a short period of peace, the Jerusalem church began to be heavily persecuted for their beliefs. Many of them had to leave the city for fear of unjust imprisonment or death. Yet, this did not stop them from teaching others. Acts 8:4 says, “Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.” These Christians did not allow intimidation to stop them. Instead, it made their boldness even stronger. If the message of Christ saves souls, then it is worth teaching despite the consequences. The good news of Jesus Christ is too great a story to keep it to ourselves. Tell somebody and offer them the hope that can change their lives and eternities.
Rejoice. If you have placed your faith and trust in Jesus Christ, turned from your sins and been baptized into Christ, you have every reason to rejoice (Acts 2:47). Your past sins are forgiven! Heaven is in your future! You are now a part of the greatest family—God is the Father, your brothers and sisters are God’s children! You have a renewed purpose in life! You have boundless opportunities to be a brightening influence in a dark world. Rejoice.