12. What are the qualifications for baptism?

The first prerequisite for baptism is faith in Jesus’ atoning sacrifice on the cross as the only means of salvation from sin. In the apostolic church only those who believed the gospel were baptized. JTL16 14.1

Instruction in righteousness from the Word of God is also an essential part of baptismal preparation. At His ascension back to heaven after His resurrection, the last words Jesus spoke to His disciples were, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you.” JTL16 14.2

Repentance is a gift from the Holy Spirit. Instruction in the Word of God produces not only faith in the heart of those willing to receive Jesus, but also repentance and conversion. In response to God’s call, people confess their sinfulness, submit themselves to God, accept His atonement and ask God for enabling power to consecrate themselves to new life with Him. As they come into relational covenant with God, they experience death to the sin that separates them from Him. JTL16 14.3

Those who have been instructed from the Word of God, experience repentance and accept Jesus as their Savior from sin must also bring forth “fruits worthy of repentance.” This simply means their lives will both demonstrate their commitment to truth as it is in Jesus as well as express their love to God through obedience to His commandments, including the surrender of erroneous beliefs and destructive practices. This does not mean that the baptismal candidate can never sin, but rather that the trend of their life reveals that Jesus abides in them (John 15:1-8). JTL16 14.4

Children who understand (within the restrictions of their maturity) the plan of salvation, have taken baptismal instruction and shown evidence of repentance in their life should not be denied the sacred ordinance of baptism. JTL16 14.5