carol_au wrote:preacherintraing,
I am in no way underestimating or understating the importance of Baptism and it is every bit as beautiful an experience as you have described and it is NOT an option for a believer to be baptised, it IS a command. It's one that every believer must do as the very first act of obedience to their Lord.
What we are saying is that it is not essential for Salvation, but it is essential for all believers to be baptised, there is a difference. It's not a dead horse in the sense of it's impact and it's importance in the life of a believer and I hope and pray my posts did not give that impression, for I for one would be the first to stand up and say to any one.. believe and then be baptised! It's not an optional extra, it's a command.
If something is not essential for salvation then why bother doing it, it is essential.