Is baptism necessary for salvation?

Question:

Hello!

I am from Brazil, and I am seeking salvation. I believe that Jesus is the Son of God who died for my sins on the cross and rose on the third day for my justification. I am sorry for all my sins. I would like to ask you:

  • Is baptism by immersion necessary for salvation?
  • Does baptism wash away sins (Acts 2:38) and save (Mark 16:16)?

I am inclined to think so, but I would like to be sure. I am attending a Baptist church in my city and the pastor preaches that the person has his name written in the Book of Life at the time he accepts Jesus as Lord and Savior, before baptism, and that baptism is only a public confession of faith. If baptism really washes away sins and saves the surrendered believer and my pastor is wrong, if he baptizes me will this baptism be valid?

Answer:

Most of what you ask has been addressed in the past, so I will point you to the answers when I can.

Regarding whether baptism is necessary for salvation and whether baptism washes away sins, see:

Regarding whether it would be acceptable to be baptized in a denomination that doesn't believe in the necessity of baptism for salvation. My response would be: Why would you want to be a part of a group that gets basic teaching of the Scriptures wrong? While it doesn't matter who does a baptism, I would be concerned about the things you would learn while attending this group. See:

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