What does Acts 2:38 mean?

This verse is used by sincere, but though ignorant, people who teach that baptism is essential for salvation. The key word is the word "for" in the verse. It refers to being baptized because salvation was already obtained and it representedthat they had the remission of sins. It is referred to as a "like figure" in 1 Peter 3:21 and is the outward picture of salvation, just like a wedding ring is a symbol of marriage although the ring has no power over the marriage. We still use the word "for" in Acts 2:38 in the same sense today. A shoplifter is arrested "for" shoplifting. That means the shoplifter has already shoplifted. Why should one be baptized? Because it is the first step of obedience as a born-again believer and opens the door for the enduement of power of the Spirit of God upon the believer's life. To say that baptism is necessary for salvation is the same as a Catholic saying that Mary is co-redeemer with Christ.1 Timothy 2:5 teaches that there is only one mediator between God and men, which is Christ. Jesus said to the repentant thief on the cross that he was going to be with Him in paradise and the thief never had an opportunity to be baptized, which I'm sure he would have if he had the chance. The fact is that the Lord Jesus Christ is not co-redeemer with anyone or anything and this includes the baptism tank or the river and pond. Physical water only cleans the outside of a person, but it is the "water" of God's Word that cleanses within (Ephesians 5:26). By the way, only saved people are true candidates for baptism, which is taught in Acts 8:36-37.

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