"There
is also an antitype which now saves us, <namely> baptism (not the
removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience
toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 3:21).
Though multitudes of
people in the religious world deny it, the Bible says that baptism
(i.e., immersion in water) is essential for the salvation of the soul.
(Romans 6:1-4). Jesus said it. (Mark 16:15-16). Peter said it. (Acts
2:38). Paul recounted that Ananias had said it to him (Acts 22:16).
In every case of
conversion in the book of Acts there is baptism (Acts 2:38,41; 8:12-13,
36-39; 9:18; 10:47-48; 16:15, 33; 18:8; 19:5; 22:16). These are not
evidences of men devising the process of their own salvation. It is
rather a repeated stream of evidence as to salvation being accepted by
man at his obedience of God's commands.
The example of the
thief on the cross, which many use as a basis to deny this, is not a
valid rule of thumb to use because his situation came before the New
Testament became in force as a system of authority (Hebrews 9:16-17).
Jesus could have saved the thief in any manner that He chose. Just as
someone can change a will to read any way they choose, but only PRIOR to
their death.
There is nothing
magical in the water (1 Peter 3:21). The power comes in the obedient
response of the person(s) involved to the saving power of God (John 3).
In baptism we come in contact with the blood of Jesus. This is what
enacts the remission of our sins (Acts 2:38; Hebrews 9:22).
Instead of dreaming up
hypothetical scenarios as to how someone "could" be saved without
complying with this command of God, let us simply do what God says. Our
faith response (i.e., baptism (among other things)) to His grace is what
obtains salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9). Baptism is not a work. It is an act
of obedience. It is what the Lord did in order to "fulfill all
righteousness." (Matthew 3:15). Can anyone rightfully claim to be saved
without doing as much themselves?