There has been much discussion/debate around the subject of Water Baptism and whether or not it is required. For those who say yes, some may ask the question, "Does Water Baptism save you?" As always, I believe it is important to look at the Scriptures. I have one in particular which I believe clearly answers this question. 1 Peter 3:20-21(NIV)italics added- "who disobeyed long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built. In it only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water, and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ" I think the verse is very clear. Water Baptism does indeed save us. However, it is not the water passing over our flesh that saves us. It is the pledge, response, affirmation, declaration that we are making when we get baptized. That declaration to repent; to turn from sin, and to turn to Christ. Now some say that you can make that declaration and do every thing that your doing in baptism, without getting baptized. I say, not according to the Bible.
Acts 2:37-38(NIV) "When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Here we see the first time in Christian History where someone asked the question "what should we do?" The first time someone asked how to receive Christ, how to get saved, be Born Again, become a Christian, whatever you want to call it, notice what the response was not. It was not, "with every head bowed, and every eye closed, raise your hand and someone will come pray with you", or "come to the front and meet me at the alter", or "Repeat this 'Sinners Prayer' after me". It was, "Repent, and be Baptized".
Acts 2:37-38(NIV) "When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Here we see the first time in Christian History where someone asked the question "what should we do?" The first time someone asked how to receive Christ, how to get saved, be Born Again, become a Christian, whatever you want to call it, notice what the response was not. It was not, "with every head bowed, and every eye closed, raise your hand and someone will come pray with you", or "come to the front and meet me at the alter", or "Repeat this 'Sinners Prayer' after me". It was, "Repent, and be Baptized".
