Some "Ifs" and "Whys" About Baptism

If baptism is not necessary to salvation, Why did Peter in 1 Peter 3:21 write, "baptism now saves us"?

If one can be forgiven of sins without baptism, Why did Peter command in Acts 2:38, "be baptized for the remission of sins"?

If sins are taken away before baptism, Why was Saul told to be "baptized and wash away thy sins" (Acts 22:16)?

If one is a child of God without baptism, Why did Paul say that Galatians were "children of God by faith in Christ" and then given the reason, "for as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ" (Galatians 3:26-27)?

If baptism is of no importance, Why was Cornelius "commanded" by the Apostle Peter to be baptized (Acts 10:48)?

If baptism is not essential, Why did Jesus include it along with "faith" in speaking of those who "shall be saved'' in Mark 16:16?

If one becomes a member of the body of Christ without baptism, Why did Paul write the Corinthians saying "by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body" (1 Corinthians 12:13)?

If one can call on the name of the Lord for salvation without baptism, Why did Ananias command Saul to be "baptized and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord" (Acts 22:16)?

If baptism is for the remission of sins, to wash away sins, to put one into Christ, a command of God, in order for salvation, etc., Why will men refuse to obey God in being baptized?

Paul wrote in Ephesians 1:7: "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace." Jesus shed His blood to redeem us.

Question: Where did Jesus shed His blood? He shed it when He died on the cross. Paul said we are baptized into His death in Romans 6:3-4. We urge you to humbly submit yourself in obedience to God.

(via Market Street Messenger, April 18, 2010, Athens, Alabama)