Salvation from Sin and the Essentiality of Water Baptism

Here are 4(FOUR) quotes from my opponent CLEARLY asserting that baptism is not required or “necessary” for the salvation of one’s soul. “Baptism is an important step of obedience that every Christian should take. Baptism, however, cannot be the big requirement for salvation.” “It also says that he who doesn"t believe is not saved. It didn"t mention anything about baptism in that part, so it wouldn"t necessarily imply that baptism is needed.” “When one is baptized, it"s meant to be a public profession of faith, not as a means of salvation. While it"s certainly an important step in obedience to God, it wouldn"t be necessary for salvation.” “Therefore, baptism is an important step of obedience after salvation but cannot be a requirement for salvation. Anything other than faith alone would be a works-based salvation.” Now, he says; “I believe it's necessary, too”. The fact is that either my opponent has changed his position and thereby given up his argument and denial of the proposition in question, or he really doesn’t know what he believes about the essentiality of water baptism and requires further study on the subject. But, there's no excuse for not understanding the proposition which you decided to refute or not understanding my position. Nevertheless, the proposition is clear, “Pitbull15”. My opening argument has been posted here for you to go back and read and examine for clarity, contradiction and inconsistencies. I can’t help you now, if you do not understand the proposition under consideration. I gathered that you accepted the challenge to debate this subject with the understanding of the proposition and of your opponent’s position. Otherwise, you are certainly free and even encouraged to question your opponent’s position, arguments and premises. Nevertheless, NOWHERE in scripture does it state or even suggest that “baptism is an outward sign, a public profession or symbol of” anything. This is a dreamed up idea of opponents of baptism and is NOT Biblical at all. Baptism is obedience to the gospel of Jesus Christ. “And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.” – Acts 6:7, “And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house; and many of the Corinthians hearing believed, and were baptized.” – Acts 18:8, “But they have not all obeyed the gospel” – Rom. 10:16. Read the warnings about failure to “obey the gospel”. “In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that OBEY NOT THE GOSPEL of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power” – 2 Thess. 1:8-9 “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that OBEY NOT THE GOSPEL of God?” – 1 Pet. 4:17 Read the reward of “Obedience to the gospel”. “And being made perfect, He became the author of eternal salvation unto all them THAT OBEY HIM” – Heb. 5:9, “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. BEING THEN made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.” – Rom. 6:17-18 Therefore, it is indeed the will of God that everyone hear the gospel, believe it, confess His Son and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins. Remember, the Lord said; “Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in Heaven.” – Matt. 7:21