A real problem among this thread I've so plainly seen, is wrong doctrine!! I'm young, so what? Bash me if you want to, but WHERE is the word of God here?
I see many NIV references, ASV, CLV, etc... where is God's word? I hate to see such watered down doctrine due to contemporary interpretations! If you look in a KJV Bible (the closest English interpretation to the original manuscripts), then the flaws of these arguments here are so manifest it's frustrating!
Many things come into play when all of us here are bringing verses of out their context to make a point.
1) The context!!! This changes everything about the verse. Whether it mentions the flesh, or filth, or sin, the Verses and surrounding theme can influence the entire interpretation of a verse. When pulling a verse out of context, please, know and understand it's context!
2) God does not contradict himself. If He did, then it would be a lie, and a lie is a sin. Thus, He would be imperfect, and that is an impossible possibility. So, if ever pointing out scriptures and "explaining" what you "know" it means, be sure that you're not misinterpreting it. Do so to prevent not only yourself from faltering His Word, but to preserve His glory!
3) Salvation is of faith.
In the bible, Baptism is seen alongside occurrences where beings are saved, correct? That is because baptism is a public confession, of what has already happened to us. When we are saved, we are washed in Jesus' blood. The blood shed for us on Calvary covers us and pardons that sin nature (curse) we are all born with (because of Adam - Rom. 5:12).
Well, such as in Acts 2:41, it talks about Being baptized for the remission of sins. Yes! He's talking about baptism! BUT baptism in Jesus' blood, for that is the only baptism that pardons sin. The only sin that prevents us from entering into Heaven is that sin nature we are born with (Rom. 3:23+Rom. 5:12). Eph. 2:8-9 tell us that it is by faith we are saved. Faith in His salvation to cover that sin (singular) we all have!
Please, never rely on your contemporary copies of the Scriptures. Rely on the Holy interpretations of old to get the real truth.
Hope I did help someone who was questioning! God bless
Your friend,
Moose