When Jesus was baptized (Matthew 3:13-17), He made a statement that deserves our attention. "It becometh us to fulfill all righteous- ness." What He is saying is that baptism is a necessary step in God's plan for the life of the believer and not the life of the unbeliever. Have you been baptized? My friend, baptism before salvation doesn't count. Baptism always follows salvation. Have you been baptized since you were saved? If not, you need to be. Let your pastor know you want to be baptized. Tell him today. This is part of God's plan for your life as a believer.

Matthew 3:13-17
13	Then cometh Jesus from Galilee to Jordan unto John, to be baptized of him.
14	But John forbad him, saying, I have need to be baptized of thee, and comest thou to me?
15	And Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness.
        Then he suffered him.
16	And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened
                unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him:
17	And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.

04.01 According to Acts 2:41, in what order does God place things? Gladly received the word (salvation) were
          baptized / added to the church / 3,000 souls.     
          
04.02 Then, according to this verse, must baptism follow salvation? Yes.     
          
04.03 Then if baptism follows salvation, does baptism save? No.       

04.04 How did God feel about the baptism of His Son? Matthew 3:17 He was pleased.
          
04.05 According to Matthew 3:16, did Jesus go into the water? Yes. 

04.06 According to Romans 6:3, baptism is a picture of what?  Christ's death and burial.

04.07 What two words in Romans 6:4,5 prove that baptism is by immersion? (1) Buried.  (2) Planted.

04.08 What does the baptismal water picture as we rise from it? Romans 6:5 Resurrection.
        
04.09 In Acts 16:31, what is one commanded to do to be saved? Believe.  

04.10 What happened to the Philippian jailer after his salvation? Acts 16:33
          He and his family and servants were baptized.
          This is called "Believer's Baptism." Have you fulfilled this duty? ________ I cannot answer that for you.

04.11 In Colossians 2:12, Paul said we are buried with Christ in what? Baptism.
           
04.12 According to Galatians 3:27, if we are obedient to Christ in baptism, then we do what with Him?
          We put Him on. 

04.13 In Acts 18:8, what did Crispus do before he was baptized?  Believed.    
          
04.14 In Acts 10:47-48, what did Cornelius receive before he was baptized? The Holy Spirit.
                   
04.15 In Acts 8:36-37, what was the condition that Phillip gave to the Ethiopian Eunuch who wanted to be
          baptized? If thou believest. 

04.16 In your own words, what is baptism?  It is an outward sign or testimony of our changed life by faith in
          the finished work of Christ on the cross. It does not save me. I am already saved. But to show others
          He commands us to follow His example. It is part of God's total plan for all believers. It is something
          that is special and should not be put off or held lightly.      
          
CONCLUSION:
Baptism is a command of God, not to save us, but for us to picture salvation. It is an outward testimony to others that
we are saved. Remember, baptism doesn't save. A wedding band doesn't make you married; it just tells people that
you are. It is the same with baptism, it is an outward sign of an inward reality.

Each person who is "born again" should receive believer's baptism at the earliest possible time. Read John 14:15.
(Write the verse out here). If ye love me, keep my commandments.

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