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First, to set the stage to help the reader understand what the real problem is, let us note that Jesus said,
"Go in through the narrow gate, for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many there are who go in through it. Because narrow is the gate and constricted is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves" (Matt. 7:13-15).
Second, let me be clear in explaining that we ALL understand that one cannot save himself by his works alone, and that there is no power to save in the water itself. The power is in the blood of Jesus that benefits us at the point we contact it.
Third, the importance of baptism is emphasized by numerous passages (see below) that teach in various ways. If your teachers are saying baptism is not essential, that it is just "an outward sign or an inward grace," or that "it is an expression of having been saved," you might need to consider that you may be listening to the wrong people, i.e., the type of persons Jesus was warning about.
Below are the passages that, when honestly considered, show beyond a doubt that baptism is a condition that God has set forth for man to obey to receive the remission of sins and become part of His family ("family of God").
Mark 16:
15 And He said to them, Go into all the world, proclaim the gospel to all the creation.
16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved, but he who does not believe will be condemned.
John 3:
3 I say to you, Unless a man is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
5 Jesus answered, Truly, truly, I say to you, Unless a man is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
Acts 2:36-38
36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God made this same Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ. 37 And hearing this, they were pricked in the heart, and said to Peter and to the other apostles, Men, brothers, what shall we do? 38 Then Peter said to them, Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ to remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 22:16
And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.
Romans 6:
3 Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
17 But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. 18 Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
1 Cor. 12:13
For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
Gal. 3:
26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Col. 2:
12 Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. 13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
1 Pet. 3:21
The 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:
In writing to the Galatians, Paul affirmed that those Christians were "children of God by faith." But this was NOT by faith alone. He went on to say that those same Christians put on Christ when they were baptized. What "faith only" teacher can explain how one can be saved without putting on Christ?
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