How do we know baptism doesn't save us?

The New Testament is clear that while baptism is an important ordinance for believers, it does not itself grant salvation. This is demonstrated through examples such as the thief on the cross, who was assured of salvation by Christ despite not being baptized. Additionally, passages like Ephesians 2:8-9 reinforce that salvation is by grace through faith, not a result of works, of which baptism would be one. Furthermore, 1 Peter 3:21 states that baptism is not the removal of dirt from the body but the appeal to God for a good conscience, indicating that it is the faith in the resurrection of Jesus Christ which provides salvation and cleanses the conscience, not the act of being baptized.