Baptism does not save us as salvation is a gift from God received by faith alone, not by works.
The scriptures clarify that salvation is not attained through baptism but through faith in Jesus Christ. Ephesians 2:8-9 emphasizes that 'by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.' Baptism, while a significant act of obedience, does not contribute to one's salvation. It serves as a witness to the faith that has already been exercised in accepting Christ as Savior. The New Testament consistently evidences that belief in Christ precedes baptism, indicating that it is the internal state of faith and not the act of baptism that brings salvation. As Mark 16:16 states, 'He who believes and is baptized will be saved,' underscoring that belief is the prerequisite for salvation.
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