The Question: Is baptism merely a symbol, a requirement for salvation, or something else entirely? Key Verses & Explanation: Matthew 28:19 (The Command): "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." Explanation: Baptism is an explicit command from Jesus, making it a required act of obedience for...

Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, which narrate the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Answer: The Bible asserts that God is unchanging (Malachi 3:6) and that He is both perfectly Holy (which requires justice against sin) and perfectly Love (which provides a way for forgiveness). Explanation: The Old Testament often highlights God's justice against covenant-breaking and sin, while also demonstrating incredible patience and love (e.g., the repeated forgiving of Israel). The...

A woman who had given birth to a son was ceremonially "unclean". This meant she was unable to enter the temple for worship for seven days or until the circumcision of the child. Then for 33 more days she was not allowed to come into the sanctuary. After 40 days she needed to come to the temple and be purified by offerings prescribed by Jewish law. And so, according to these commands, Mary and...