Are We Prepared?

And John tried to prevent Him (Jesus), saying, "I need to be baptized by You, and You are coming to me?" But Jesus answered and said to him, "Permit it to be so now, for this it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he allowed Him. When He had been baptized, He came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened up to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven saying, "This is My beloved Son, in Whom I am well pleased."(Matthew 3:13-17)

The old issue arises again . . .must I be baptized in order to be saved? Acts 2:38 is where we hear Peter saying, "Rent and be baptized." In all my studies, I see this as meaning be baptized because you have been been saved. In Acts 3:19, Peter simply said to "Repent". Acts 10:43 is where Cornelius' family believed and received divine forgiveness. Of course, we also have the "good thief" at the cross. So we see that baptism is in response to the Lord forgiving our sins. We respond in obedience to the Lord after we have repented and received salvation. Baptism doesn't save us, the Savior saves us! Yet who knows for sure unless we make a public statement as Jesus Himself did? Is it too much to please God? So what does this have to do with CHRISTMAS? John the Baptist prepared the way for the Redeemer. As we prepare for the celebration of Christ's coming and soon "coming again", we must be prepared and challenge others as well. Are we in obedience with His Word? Have we taken our forgiveness casually? Are we doing all we are able to come in line with His teachings? Just a few questions as we anticipate the Day . . .