Baptism is an outward expression of an inward decision and has no bearing on salvation

Well said and thank you for engaging in this debate In answer to my opponents statements: First Jesus' answer to the Nicodemus question. The issue with interpreting this verse to mean baptism is that, if interpreted that way, stands alone as the only scripture verse calling for baptism as a means to salvation. We must look at the entirety of scripture, not just one verse to fully understand its meaning. I must also point out that John 3:5 does not mention baptism at all, it is referring to a new birth and to water in terms of cleansing. When looking at the word used for "water", we see that is the Greek word "hudwr" (Strong's number G5204). The Greek word for baptism is "baptisma" (Strong's number G908). If Jesus had wanted to refer to baptism, He would have used this word. In fact, the word (or a variation of it) occurs 112 times in the New Testament. A look at the rest of the discussion with Nicodemus tells us exactly what Jesus meant, especially verses 14-18. Here water means the cleansing of the Spirit through salvation in Jesus Christ. Mark 16:16 answers itself within itself. It states that you must believe and then be baptized, but then it states only those that don't believe are condemned. In context this is much better understood to mean that those that believe should be baptized, but those that don't believe, regardless of Baptism, are condemned. The verse says itself that it is unbelief that causes damnation, not the state of baptism. Acts 2:38 follows suit with Mark in making salvation and baptism two separate actions. We must first repent and repentence only occurs once the mind believes it has something to repent for. Once this occurs, the believer should be baptized in order to receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit, not salvation. This verse is showing simply that in order to be completely filled with the Holy Spirit and to minister to your full potential you must believe and be baptized. However this verse is not describing requirements for salvation. The concurrence of Scripture is overwhelming in support of salvation through Christ alone. I submit the following: Ephesians 2:8,9 ) "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast." "(Romans 11:6) "And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work." "(Galatians 2:16) "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified." "(2 Timothy 1:9) "Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began," "(Titus 3:5) "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;" Its important to note that Titus 3:5 can be compared with John 3:5 in context. I yield the floor to my Brother in Christ!