Did you know this phrase is used only 3 other times in the New Testament. Friends, there is no valid reason for interpreting it differently. Yet the Bible doesn't teach this false doctrine. According to this passage, baptism saves us. If not, then you have not really been baptized, you've just been put under the water.
Bible baptism is in order to receive the forgiveness of sins.
For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection. Friends, the belief that one is saved at the point of faith before and without these other steps which we have looked at in this lesson indicates a gross misunderstanding or a rejection of simple Bible truth. If one is saved without and before baptism then he is saved without the blood of Christ and before he receives the remission of sins. We plead with you to accept what the Bible says is necessary to becoming a Christian and obey it today while time and opportunity are yours. Don't let your soul's salvation depend upon man's doctrine.