Wansvic, nice thread, and well explained. Here are 3 further verses that confirm that God uses the Water of Baptism to wash us from our sins.
1. St. Paul the Apostle relates, "And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." (Acts 22:16).
2. To one of the most important questions in soteriology, the basic question, "what must we do to be saved?" (Acts 2:37), St. Peter the Apostle, on the day of Pentecost, speaking by the inspiration of the Holy Ghost, did not declare Baptism merely symbolic and inefficacious, but said, "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." (Acts 2:38)
This statement is clear. They were to repent of their unbelief. They were to be baptized in the Name given by the Lord Jesus Christ for the remission of their sins. And when they did this, they would receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. That means Baptism effects something. It is not just a bare and empty sign. It effects the resurrection of the believer from sin and death to grace and life.
3. Our Lord Jesus, the Prince of Theologians, is Himself the best Teacher. He said to be born again of Water and of the Holy Spirit, not of water only or of the Spirit only. By this Word, He declared that regeneration ordinarily happens by means of water: "Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God." (Jn 3:5)
Therefore, in order to pass from death to life, we should hurry to the Baptismal fount, if we are non-Christians. As Christians, we must preach on the efficacy and power of Holy Baptism to be more effective in our evangelism. The world will more easily believe in a visible sign that has invisible efficacy. That is why Our Lord Jesus even linked the Great Commission to Baptism, which He would not have done, if Baptism was non-essential: "18And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20Teaching 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." (Mat 28:18-20). Again, in the Gospel of St. Mark, He said, "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved" (Mark 16:16) showing that Baptism is part of salvation. We are baptized into Christ's death. So that as Christ was raised from the dead, our souls also are raised from death to life, and have new life in Christ. St. Paul explains this in Rom 6:5-7. Another key passage to read up on.
God Bless, All.
In Lord Jesus,
N. Xavier.