This question has been answered any number of ways throughout the years.  However, there are really only two answers that could be given to this question.  Either baptism is necessary in order for one to be saved, or it is not necessary.  The opinions of men are not important when it comes to answering questions regarding man’s salvation.  We must search the Scriptures for a Bible answer, gladly accepting the truths we find therein.  How does the Bible answer this question?
    Baptism is necessary for salvation because it is the process by which sins are washed away.  On the day of Pentecost as Peter preached to the Jews gathered in Jerusalem, they came to believe that Jesus was the Son of God (Acts 2:36,37).  Their faith alone did not rid them of sin.  They felt the guilt of sin, so they asked Peter what they must do to get rid of the burden of sin.  Peter told them to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38).  Peter did not say to repent and be baptized because their sins were already forgiven.  Paul was told by Ananias that baptism would wash away his sins (Acts 22:16).  Paul was not saved when the Lord appeared to him as he (Saul) was on his way to Damascus.  He was told that when he arrived in Damascus, he would then be told what he must do (Acts 9:6).  For three days Paul did not eat or sleep.  He spent this time in prayer (Acts 9:9,11), yet his praying did not wash away his sins.  When Ananias came to Paul, he told Paul to get up and be baptized to take away this great burden of sin Paul was feeling.
    Second, baptism is necessary for salvation because it puts one into Christ.  In Christ alone is salvation to be found (2 Tim. 2:10).  Since salvation is solely in Christ, it would behoove us to get into Christ.  Before one can be in Christ, it is necessary to get into Christ.  Only two passages in the whole Bible can one find the words “into Christ,” and in both instances the way this is accomplished is through baptism.  Notice what Paul writes: “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Gal. 3:27).  And the only other passage containing the words “into Christ”: “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death” (Rom. 6:3).  Nowhere in the Bible does it speak of man believing into Christ, repenting into Christ, or confessing into Christ.  The only way to get into Christ, into salvation, is by baptism!
    Third, baptism is essential to salvation because the Bible explicitly says so!  Jesus made the statement, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mk. 16:16).  How much plainer could it be?  Man must believe and be baptized to be saved.  Just in case this is not plain enough, Peter forever settles the argument.  He wrote that baptism saves us (1 Pet. 3:21)!  Man can argue with Scripture all he wants, but there it is in black and white.