Baptism is mandatory for Christians once they accept Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. This act symbolizes dying from old sin and past life and being renewed to a new life with Christ.

Baptism is derived from the Greek word baptizmo, which means to dip, immerse, or plunge.

Christians, therefore, identify with Christ’s death and burial when they are baptized into the waters and with His resurrection when they emerge from the water.

The act of baptism is not necessary for salvation, but rather a good way of expressing what happens on the inside of us post salvation. It is similar to a wedding ring, which is an outward expression of an inward commitment.

The only means for salvation is through a simple, sincere, and humble faith in Jesus Christ’s finished work and through repentance of our sins.

Acts 16:31 (NKJV)

So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

The act of baptism is also a beautiful act of obedience to God’s word, and every Christian should be baptized once they accept Christ as their Lord and Savior.

If you genuinely believe in Jesus Christ for your salvation, you should have no reason to stop you from obeying the act of water baptism.

Q. But didn’t Peter say that Baptism is essential to salvation?

Acts 2:38 (NKJV)

Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

This verse is often wrongly used by many groups to teach that baptism is essential for salvation. However, this isn’t what Peter is saying. In this context, Peter makes a clear distinction between baptism and the gospel.

This understanding is also aligned with Paul’s other statements where he reiterates that only the gospel will save sinners.

1 Corinthians 1:17 (NKJV)

For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect

Romans 1:16 (NKJV)

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.

In conclusion, while baptism is highly significant in the Christian faith as a symbol of obedience, identification with Christ, and public declaration of faith, the predominant view among many Christian scholars and denominations is that it is not a prerequisite for salvation. Salvation is  by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone.