11. BAPTISM
The ceremony of water baptism is performed by immersion, for the forgiveness of sins, upon true repentance and acceptance of Christ’s sacrifice. After this ceremony, and as a result, one receives the baptism of the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands. Baptism symbolizes the renunciation of the past sinful way of life, the burial of the old man in a watery grave, and the emergence of a new, Spirit-led man living with Christ’s mind and following in His footsteps.

Matthew 3:13–16, Acts 2:38, Romans 6:1–8
Colossians 2:12

12. LAYING ON OF HANDS
The laying on of hands is an act performed on special occasions, such as for the receiving of God’s Holy Spirit after baptism, at ordination, anointing of the sick, or for other special purposes.

Matthew 19:13–15, Acts 6:5–6, 8:17–18, 13:3
1 Timothy 4:14, Hebrews 6:2

13. KINGDOM OF GOD
The Kingdom of God is the family of God ruling as the government of God. It is a future world-ruling government to be set up on earth by Christ at His return, with Jesus as King and the resurrected spirit-composed saints in positions of co-rulership with Him. The Kingdom of God—referred to as a “mystery” in the New Testament—was first preached and explained by Christ, then by His church; it shall be established on earth for a thousand years following Christ’s return, and shall be completely fulfilled when New Jerusalem and God the Father come down out of heaven to dwell on the New Earth.

Mark 4:11, Revelation 5:10, 20:4, 21:1–3, 7, 10

14. GOSPEL
The gospel is the message preached by Christ and by His church about God’s coming Kingdom, the restoration of His government on earth, and how mankind can enter that Kingdom and government. It includes the message of what Jesus has done, is doing, and shall do—and ultimately is the message of the entire Old and New Testaments. The primary purpose and commission of the church is to “Go ye therefore, and teach [make disciples of] all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.

Matthew 3:2, 24:14, 28:19–20, Mark 1:15, Luke 24:47

15. PROPHECY
Prophecy is God’s testimony to his people, revealing His purpose and plan for mankind. God’s Word points out obstacles, mistakes, and potential mistakes along the way. God boldly states that He has a definite plan and purpose. He declares that there is none like Him, that He declares the end from the beginning, and that He will accomplish His purpose. Much of God’s plan and purpose is revealed in the Holy Bible. God’s people are called upon to be faithful and honest with the Word of God, “rightly dividing the word of truth,” and informed that no prophecy is subject to personal or private interpretation. Down through the ages, many self-proclaimed “prophets” (false prophets) have come, and there is no shortage today. A false prognostication attributed to God is a violation of the Third Commandment and will have to be accounted for. Fulfilled prophecy, or prophecy in progress of being fulfilled, builds faith in God and His Word. God’s testimony and revelations are more positive than negative. The majority of the prophecies in the Bible are good news, not bad news.

Isaiah 46:9–11, Matthew 12:36–37, 2 Timothy 2:15
1 Peter 1:20, Revelation 19:10