WHAT BAPTISM IS FOR.
The following passages of scripture show that baptism is for the remission of sins:
"John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins." (Mark 1: 4).
"And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins." (Luke 3: 3).
"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins." (Acts 2: 38).
The scriptures tell of no ordinance or means by which a remission of sins can be obtained without baptism. Faith and repentance are not sufficient. The Bible says of John the Baptist's ministry:
"All the people that heard him, and the publicans, justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John. But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him." (Luke 7: 29, 30).
It appears from this that those who refuse to be baptized reject the counsel of God against themselves. To do this is a great sin, and the only way to repent of it is to obey the counsel of God, and the counsel of God is to be baptized.
Cornelius, who is described as "a devout man, and one that feared God," and who was visited by an angel from heaven was commanded to be baptized. (Acts 10: 48). This shows that baptism is necessary for all mankind, no matter how righteous they may be.