[AnthonyB]

Erik,

It isn't me that made a big deal of baptism, its Jesus in the "Great Commission" Matt 28:18-20 and Mark 16:16, Peter in Acts 2:38 etc....

Taking the 1st verse above 1 Pet 3:21, people clearly don't take the time to read 1 Pet 3:20. The symbolism mentioned in the verse is that of Noah's flood waters pointing to our baptism, not our baptism pointing to our real salvation sometime else. If Ephesians really says there is only 1 baptism, then Rom 6:4 and Col 2:12 make a very different case. As for Mark 1:18 it contrasts John's baptism to Christian baptism, which is why the disciples who had already had John's baptism were rebaptised in Acts (in order to receive the Holy Spirit.)

My personal experience is not greatly different from yours but if scripture and experience don't match, then for me its an issue. I see baptism as the central point of the salvation process, what happens before is God in his graciousness takes the wil of obedience to baptism somehow in lieu of the act and bestows before the real event occurs.

Anyway I will desist and stop pestering you, and rather rejoice that you have obeyed Jesus command.