Can I get scriptures that support baptism as part of salvation besides Mark 16:16He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.
See All...?

A number of verses are used to "prove" that baptism is required for salvation. They include Mark 1:4John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
See All...; 16:16
See All...; Luke 3:3And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;
See All...; Acts 2:38Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
See All...; 22:16
See All...; 1 Peter 3:21The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
See All.... Groups like the Church of Christ and others use these verses to teach this doctrine. Some dispensationalists teach that, though baptism is not required for salvation today, it was required during the time of Christ and immediately afterwards. Therefore, although the Jews of the time of Christ had to be baptized in order to be saved, believers today do not. I have respect for those who teach this--as they are attempting to be faithful to the wording of scripture--but I do not think it is the best way to approach these scriptures.

Baptism is an external work. However, God is clear that salvation is not by works. It is not by the works of the law (Galatians 2:16Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.
See All...) and it is not by the works of righteousness (Titus 3:5Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;
See All...). Therefore, it stands that salvation is not by baptism. In fact, one of the verses used to teach baptismal regeneration clearly teaches the opposite. 1Peter 3:21The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
See All... states, "The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ." This verse tells us that baptism saves us, but not in the putting away of the filth of the flesh. That is, it does not cleanse us of our sins. There is no forgiveness through baptism. Rather, it gives "the answer of a good conscience toward God." It gives us a good conscience in that we have done what God has asked us to do. But it does not save us in the sense of removing our sins or saving our soul.

The teaching that water baptism is required for salvation is problematic in other ways. For one thing, we see the promise that Jesus made to the thief on the cross: "Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:43And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
See All...). This thief went to heaven even though he had not been baptized. Also, we have the story of Cornelius and his household. When they believed, they immediately received the gift of the Holy Ghost. Peter then said, "Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?" (Acts 10:47Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
See All...). Either baptism was not necessary for salvation, or they received the Holy Ghost without being saved. Yet, the angel had told Cornelius to send for Peter, "Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved" (Acts 11:14Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved.
See All...). They were saved by believing the message they heard (the words), not by being baptized.

But what about the emphasis on baptism in the gospels and the early part of Acts? John the Baptist preached the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins." That certainly sounds like a baptism that brings forgiveness of sins. Then, of course, we have Peter's well-quoted invitation in Acts 2:38Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
See All..., "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." How can we understand these verses?

First, we must know to whom they were spoken. The message of the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins was given in every biblical instance to Jewish people. Even in Acts two the message was addressed to "Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem" (Acts 2:14But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said unto them, Ye men of Judaea, and all ye that dwell at Jerusalem, be this known unto you, and hearken to my words:
See All...) and "Ye men of Israel" (Acts 2:22Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know:
See All...). It was not spoken to Gentiles. This is important because the Jews were already the people of God by their physical birth. They were not automatically saved, but they were God's chosen people. But, as God's chosen people, they had rebelled against Him. The purpose of the baptism of repentance was to get their sins of rebellion against the Lord forgiven. Then, they could approach the greater goal of eternal salvation. Let me try to establish this scripturally.

The baptism of repentance was called John’s baptism (Acts 19:1-5 [1] And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, [2] He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. [3] And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. [4] Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. [5] When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
See All...). It was a baptism in water (Matthew 3:11I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:
See All...; Luke 3:16John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire:
See All...; John 1:26John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not;
See All..., 33). It was to be preceded by a turning from sin (Luke 3:7-14 [7] Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? [8] Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. [9] And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. [10] And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then? [11] He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise. [12] Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do? [13] And he said unto them, Exact no more than that which is appointed you. [14] And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying, And what shall we do? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.
See All...); in other words, the baptism was not the repentance itself but only an outward expression that the person had already repented. It was marked by confession of sins (Matthew 3:6And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
See All...; Mark 1:5And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.
See All...) and offered remission of sins (Mark 1:4John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
See All...; Luke 3:3And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;
See All...; Acts 2:38Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
See All...).

There are twelve scriptural references to remission, remit, remitted (Matthew 26:28For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.
See All...; Mark 1:4John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
See All...; Luke 1:77To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,
See All...; 3:3God came from Teman, and the Holy One from mount Paran. Selah. His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of his praise.
See All...; 24:47
See All...; John 20:23Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.
See All...(2); Acts 2:38Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.
See All...; 10:43
See All...; Romans 3:25Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
See All...; Hebrews 9:22And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
See All...; Hebrews 10:18Now where remission of these is, there is no more offering for sin.
See All...). The word, remission, literally means to send back; to refrain from exacting payment; to refrain from inflicting punishment; to put off; to postpone. In the Bible, remission was one of the benefits of the OT sacrifices (Hebrews 9:22And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
See All...). Remission was used in reference to the covering of OT sins (Romans 3:25Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
See All... with Hebrews 9:15And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.
See All...) and to sins that were to be blotted out in the future (Acts 3:19Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.
See All...; Romans 11:26-27 [26] And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob: [27] For this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.
See All...; Jeremiah 50:20In those days, and in that time, saith the LORD, the iniquity of Israel shall be sought for, and there shall be none; and the sins of Judah, and they shall not be found: for I will pardon them whom I reserve.
See All...).

In the New Testament, the baptism for the remission of sins led to a knowledge of salvation. In Luke 1:76-77 [76] And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; [77] To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins,
See All..., Zecharias prophesied concerning his son, John the Baptist: "And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways; To give knowledge of salvation unto his people by the remission of their sins." Notice carefully: John would give the people the knowledge of salvation by the remission of their sins. The baptism of repentance for the remission of sins was not an act which brought salvation. Rather, it opened up the way for those who repented to be saved.

It was given to Israel as preparation for the coming of the King and His kingdom. Israel had rebelled against the Lord and was not ready for the coming kingdom. John preached a way for them to prepare for the kingdom. He came to bear witness of the Light (John 1:7The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.
See All...). They were to repent and then be baptized for the remission of sins. In this, God would refrain from exacting payment for their sins. This would lead them to a knowledge of salvation through faith in the Messiah when He arrived (see Mark 1:14-15 [14] Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, [15] And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
See All...; Acts 13:23-25 [23] Of this man's seed hath God according to his promise raised unto Israel a Saviour, Jesus: [24] When John had first preached before his coming the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. [25] And as John fulfilled his course, he said, Whom think ye that I am? I am not he. But, behold, there cometh one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose.
See All...).

For further proof, consider the statement of Paul in Acts 19:4Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
See All... - "Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus." Those who received the baptism of repentance were told that they needed to believe on Him who should come after. They had not yet believed in Christ. Therefore, they were not saved in the New Testament sense. The baptism of repentance simply prepared them as Jews to receive the Messiah when He was revealed.

Since the initial message of Jesus Christ went to the Jews, the practice of baptism as an act of repentance was not altered immediately. It was only after salvation was clearly extended to the Gentiles with the salvation of Cornelius and his household that baptism began to come after salvation. Yet, even in the time of Christ and the apostles, baptism was not the means of salvation but it was the means of pointing others to Christ so that thy could get saved.

Water baptism today is an act of obedience to God so that those who are already saved can make a public statement of their faith and visibly picture the change of heart that they have already experienced. It will not save them and it is not necessary to salvation.