 There may be those that feel that God owes salvation to the baptized believer  There is nothing that we can do to earn salvation  Romans 4 teaches salvation by obedient faith

" 1 What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? 2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. 3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. 4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt." Romans 4:1-4  “counted to him as righteousness” Gen.15:6  Been faithful for years  Traveled over 1,000 miles  Left home, family, and all that was familiar  Lived in a land that barely sustained him  “By faith…Abraham obeyed” Heb 11:6

“ 20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. 22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness." Romans 4:20-22 KJV  The role of obedient faith in the justification of man  Abraham in no way deserved the promises  Abraham alone could not bring the promises to fruition  The fulfillment of the promises required action on Abraham’s part  Baptism is much the same

The process of making disciples  Teach  Baptize  Teach

" 18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen." Matthew 28:18-20  To become a disciple one must understand who it is he is following  “observe all things” – disciples are not at liberty to ignore commands  The Lord expects growth in His disciples Heb 5:12-13

 Repentance and Baptism are inextricably linked  Jesus desires converted believers  “Youthful” sins must be repented of Eph 6:1-2  Baptism cannot dissolve the marriage bond 1Cor 7:10-15

 David was forgiven, but still faced consequences Ps 32:5; 2Sam 12:9-14  The child died 2Sam 12:15-20  Amnon and Tamar 2Sam 13:1-5  Absalom murders Amnon and flees 2Sam 13:22-28  Absalom’s treason 2Sam 15:1-12  Absalom’s defeat and death 2Sam 18

 Baptism cannot remove the memory of sins  Guilt is removed in baptism 1Tim1:12-16  God forgives us…so must we Phil 3:13,14  The memory of past sins aid us in true repentance 1Cor 10:1-13

 Children of God do not lead charmed lives  “we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God” Acts 14:22  “all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” 2Tim 3:12  We must remember that God has given us all that we need to endure James 1:1-6; 1Cor 10:13