However, Peter plainly states that we are saved through baptism. Just as Noah was saved through the medium of the ark, we are spared God's judgment through entering into the saving provision of baptism in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Both renderings, clearly bind the remission of sins to baptism in the name of the Lord. Paul's sins are to be washed away in baptism as the name of the Lord is invoked. If we admit the Evangelical message of 'faith-alone' salvation, Paul's sins would have been remitted on the road to Damascus when he 'accepted Christ,' or acknowledged that He is Lord.
Baptism is an integral part of New Testament theology.
Though we must admit that these are uninspired writings and cannot build a doctrinal foundation upon such, we may cite them for their historical value, as representative of a primitive perspective within the Church. I have heard . . . Baptismal regeneration continued as a tenet of 'orthodoxy' for centuries. The Evangelical denial is, in fact, a post-Reformation, theological development. It gives the forgiveness of sins, redeems from dead and the Devil, gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, just as God's words and promises declare.