The purpose of baptism, as described, is to express obedience to whom?

• A. Jesus
• B. God
• C. the church
• D. self

Answer: (B)

Baptism is an outward act that expresses submission to God and obedience to His commands. It symbolizes dying to the old self and rising to new life in Christ, marking a believer’s alignment with God’s authority and His saving plan. Jesus commands believers to be baptized and this act publicly confirms one's allegiance to God and His lordship over life. In this sense, the purpose is best described as obedience to God, since the act testifies to accepting His will, His grace, and His covenant with the believer.

While baptism does bring one into the church community and is a visible sign of faith, those aspects are secondary to the core purpose of demonstrating obedience to God. It’s not primarily a pledge to the church or a self-made declaration; it’s a faithful response to God’s command and His work in Christ.