1 Peter 3:20-21
In [the ark] only a few people, eight in all, were saved through water,
21 and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also-not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Again, Peter contends that baptism saves us.
We know that he doesn't mean baptism over and against the cross! We also know that he would have condemned the idea of meriting salvation. He contends that it saves us by the resurrection of Christ.
Baptism:
Gives us the Holy Spirit (Ac 2:38)
Cleanses our sin (Ac. 2:22:16)
Adds us to His church (1cor 12:13)
Essential to salvation?
(Please don't take such a view to be judgemental - I place judgement on no one- By grace and grace alone are we saved! Does this mean we don't need to repent?!! Ofcourse we do, but as essentially important as repentance and baptism are, they are not the grounds of salvation- that lies in the cross. Repentance and baptism are biblically prescribed means of accepting His gift. Not a work that you do-but a work that He does in you.)
John 14:17
"The Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him,
for
he lives WITH you
and will be IN you."
Acts 22:16
16 And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.'
Acts 2:38
38 Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Gal 3:26-27
26 You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
1 Cor 12:13
13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body