Many in the religious world teach that baptism is not necessary for salvation. God teaches otherwise.
Jews on the Day of Pentecost were told by the Lord’s apostle, “Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38). Before becoming a Christian, Saul of Tarsus was told by Christ’s messenger, “Arise, be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16). Baptism is necessary for one to get “into Christ” (Rom. 6:3; Gal. 3:27), and is thus necessary for salvation (1 Pet. 3:21).
While we must not de-emphasize the necessity placed by God on baptism, we must not make baptism out to be something that it’s not.
For instance, God does not teach that baptism gives one an excuse for choosing to live in unrepentant sin.
Notice that in Acts 2:38, the command “Repent” is connected to the forgiveness of sins, just as baptism is. If one is baptized but does not repent, he or she is not promised salvation. Moreover, baptism is not the “finish line,” but the “starting point” in our walk with Christ. Upon being baptized, we must steadfastly submit to Christ’s commands (Acts 2:42). If we fail to do this, we can fall “away from grace” (Gal. 5:4).
– Michael Hickox