The book of Acts is sometimes called the Book of Conversions in that it records the conversions of different people as the gospel began to spread throughout the world. The conversion of the Corinthians described with the following statement: "And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized" (Acts 18:8).

Notice the pattern set forth in this verse. First, they heard the gospel. Then they believed what they heard. Finally, they were baptized.

This pattern is consistent with all the accounts of conversion found in the book of Acts. For instance, the people of Samaria heard Philip as he preached Christ, they believed the message he preached, and they were baptized (Acts 8:5-12). In Philippi, Lydia heard Paul preach, heeded the things she heard (which means she believed them, took them seriously, and acted upon them), and was baptized (Acts 16:14-15).

Let me ask, does this pattern describe your conversion? Did you hear the gospel, believe it, and then get baptized for the remission of your sins? Or were you baptized as an infant, and then taught the gospel when you were older? Infant baptism is practiced by many sincere people, but does not follow the pattern set forth in the New Testament. Hearing and believing must precede baptism, not come after it. To "hear" is to listen to and consider; to comprehend or understand what is being taught. Infants cannot do this. They cannot believe. Thus, they are not scriptural candidates for baptism.

Have you followed the pattern for obtaining your soul's salvation that is set forth in the New Testament? Have you heard the gospel? Do you believe the gospel? Have you been baptized, immersed in water, for the remission of your sins? If not, please allow us to help you do so today!