Being baptized into Christ is not the only thing God expects of us.  (See "The Gospel" for others.)  Yet, it is the point at which one puts on Christ (Galatians 3:27) by participating in his death, burial, and resurrection (Romans 6:3-5; Colossians 2:12).  Before dismissing baptism as an optional part of God's plan of salvation, we invite you to examine these passages.

▪	Matthew 28:18-20	Commanded by Jesus	▪	Acts 10:47-48	Peter commanded baptism
▪	Mark 16:15-16	Baptism for salvation	▪	Acts 16:15	Lydia baptized
▪	John 3:3-5	Must be born of water	▪	Acts 16:33	Immediately baptized
▪	Acts 2:38	Peter commanded baptism	▪	Acts 18:8	Corinthians baptized
▪	Acts 8:12-13	Samaritans baptized	▪	Acts 22:16	Baptism washes away sins
▪	Acts 8:36-38	Ethiopian baptized	▪	1 Peter 3:21	Baptism now saves you
▪	Acts 9:18	Paul baptized

Some would claim that requiring baptism would be "salvation by works."  Yet, according to Jesus, belief is also a work (John 6:28-29).  That means "accepting Jesus as your personal savior" would also qualify as "salvation by works."  The Bible actually teaches that works are important to our salvation (James 2:24; Philippians 2:12; Romans 2:5-7).  One danger is that Christians might start viewing salvation as an entitlement instead of a gift (Romans 4:4-5).  Hence, in the book of Romans, Paul emphasized the role of grace (Romans 3:24) and faith (Romans 3:28) without omitting good works(Romans 6:1-2).  What are we to conclude?  We are to do everything God instructed (baptism included) with a grateful attitude, understanding no good work makes God indebted to us.  As Jesus taught, we are just unprofitable servants doing our duty (Luke 17:7-10).