Is Baptism necessary for Salvation?

The only thing that's absolutely required for salvation is faith in the Lord Jesus. Baptism is important but without faith in Him it's a pointless ritual. I'm quite certain if I died before I had a chance to get baptized I'd be with the Lord.

Ananias' words speak volumes. He asked Paul why he was waiting to have his sins washed away, It is only after a person is obedient to God's command to be baptized in water in the name of Jesus that a person's sins are dwelt with in association with Jesus' sacrifice: "And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord." These words are a direct parallel to what Peter stated was necessary for everyone on the Day of Pentecost. (Acts 2:38)

You can be as certain as you like but that is not supported by scripture. It's a false hope based on nothing other than your gut and not scripture. It's also contrary to scripture. Your words reflect your opinion but not scripture. Your words do not negate what can be clearly read in the bible that contradict them. I also agree with you that faith too is required and I never said nor does the bible say otherwise. As the scriptures say, the following are ALL required for salvation when all pertinent scriptures are taken into consideration.

1. Belief and faith
2. Confession of belief
3. Repentance
4. Baptism

1st Peter 3:21

21The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

You can be as certain as you like but that is not supported by scripture. It's a false hope based on nothing other than your gut and not scripture. It's also contrary to scripture. Your words reflect your opinion but not scripture. Your words do not negate what can be clearly read in the bible that contradict them. I also agree with you that faith too is required and I never said nor does the bible say otherwise. As the scriptures say, the following are ALL required for salvation when all pertinent scriptures are taken into consideration.

1. Belief and faith
2. Confession of belief
3. Repentance
4. Baptism

1st Peter 3:21

21The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

Works of obedience and supposedly righteous rituals conferring salvation? I think not.

Read the verses that you posted and try to understand what they actually say. Then we can discuss the issue further.

Here is something to start you thinking: all the people that John baptized in the Jordan were not saved. Why not?

The real interesting thing, is that Jesus is the focus of our salvation. Instead, folks are making it all about what they personally believe and adding to salvation, which, as I understand it, is somewhat like a slap in the face to God who has provided our salvation in the first place through His sinless Son.

It becomes obvious that no amount of scripture is proving anything to people who are embedded in their doctrines, whether scriptural or not; and we do have both sides represented here to be sure. One side presents a solid and scriptural view and the other insists works play a part and want, very badly it seems, to add what they have done to what Jesus has done.

"Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" They replied, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” Acts 16:30,31

“if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Rom 10:9

“Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation. However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness.” Rom 4:4,5

See how easy it is to be saved? You must believe in Jesus, accept Him as your Savior, the One God has had sacrificed in your place.

Then, you make that confession of faith and believe that God raised Jesus from the dead.

There is no work or amount of works that a person receives credit for as a contribution to their salvation. All is of Christ and we may only approach God through the finished work of His Son.

Notice, that when someone works, they have earned a salary or wages as the Bible refers to it. However, God is the One who justifies all sinners who come to Him through His Son and this faith, this faith in Christ taking our place, is credited to us and asserted by God Himself as our righteousness.

True baptism is a public act illustrating that we have accepted Christ and we now are alive in Him. Only the blood of Christ cleanses us from sin. Water is symbolic and not the actual method of cleansing from sin. It works pretty good on dirt but is useless with a spiritual problem. Sin, is a spiritual problem which is why God Himself provided a way out of that problem.

Doesn't really matter what you THINK. it's just that, YOUR thoughts based on ????

The "order" is salvation/rebirth first.......following doctrinal rituals second.

Physical water washing away spiritual sins? I think not.

The only thing that's absolutely required for salvation is faith in the Lord Jesus. Baptism is important but without faith in Him it's a pointless ritual. I'm quite certain if I died before I had a chance to get baptized I'd be with the Lord.

Okay, believe what you want, no skin off my nose. But when you come to realize that the power of salvation comes by hearing with faith, you won't be so legalistic about baptism. We should have an urgency about baptism; we should teach it and practice it; but even more we should preach the gospel of Christ.

"Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men." 1 Corinthians 1:20-25

Do you realize that refusing to accept what Jesus says about water baptism is in fact the total opposite of having faith in Jesus?

Do you realize that refusing to accept what Jesus says about water baptism is in fact the total opposite of having faith in Jesus?

Nobody around here is refusing to accept baptism. On the contrary we fully endorse this act of public affirmation (essentially a sign of the underlying reality) of the saving faith we already possess.

It's much more than a sign or public affirmation, that's where you're wrong. It's an affirmation to the Lord.

Of course. I agree. A public affirmation of your commitment to the Lord who purchased you by His blood.

Nobody around here is refusing to accept baptism. On the contrary we fully endorse this act of public affirmation (essentially a sign of the underlying reality) of the saving faith we already possess.