Salvation/reconciliation to God is only in the one church/body of Christ (Eph. 2:16; 5:23; cf. 1:22, 23; 4:4). One is not in the one body/church of Christ until he is “baptized into one body” (1 Cor. 12:13; Acts 2:38-41, 47); therefore, one is not saved/reconciled until he is baptized (cf. Jn. 3:5; Mk. 16:16; Acts 22:16; Gal. 3:27; Eph. 5:26; Rom. 6:3-5; Col. 2:11-13; Titus 3:5; Heb. 10:22; 1 Pet. 3:20, 21).
Salvation is “in Christ” (2 Tim. 2:10). One is not “in Christ” until he is “baptized into Christ” (Gal. 3:27; Rom. 6:3); therefore, one is not saved until he is baptized.
All spiritual blessings are “in Christ” (Eph. 1:3). One is not “in Christ” until he is “baptized into Christ” (Gal. 3:27; Rom. 6:3); therefore, one has no access to spiritual blessings like salvation until he is baptized.
The blood of Christ was shed “for the forgiveness of sins” (Mt. 26:28). Baptism is “for the forgiveness of sins” (Acts 2:38); therefore, one does not gain the benefits of Christ’s blood until he is baptized “for the forgiveness of sins.”
The blood of Christ was shed to wash away our sins (Rev. 1:5). Baptism is to “wash away thy sins” (Acts 22:16; cf. Eph. 5:26); therefore, one does not gain the benefits of Christ’s blood until he is baptized to wash away his sins.
The blood of Christ sanctifies (Heb. 13:12). The “washing of water” sanctifies (Eph. 5:26); therefore, one does not gain the benefits of Christ’s blood until he is “washed in water” (baptized; cf. 1 Cor. 6:11; Titus 3:5; Heb. 10:22).
The blood of Christ saves sinners (Rom. 5:9). “Water…baptism does also now save us” (1 Pet. 3:20, 21); therefore, one does not gain the benefits of Christ’s blood until he is baptized in water for the purpose of becoming saved.
The blood of Christ gives a good conscience (Heb. 9:14). Water baptism is how one appeals to God for a good conscience (1 Pet. 3:20, 21); therefore, one does not gain the benefits of Christ’s blood until he is baptized to be saved and gain a clear conscience.
