Perhaps there is some truth in that statement, but you are aware that the baptism in the New Testament was spiritual and instantaneous to our being born again? That water baptism which follows hours, days, weeks later is a picture of the inward truth?
If a man receives Jesus Christ and is not baptized in water for some time, and he dies before he can be baptized in water, is he still saved and in the presence of his Saviour?
Yes water baptism is concern with the the priesthood after the new order of Melchizedek. Not all believers become member of the priesthood.
Water baptism which can follows hours, days, weeks, years later, is a picture of the inward hope of a new confidence you could say built on the growing confidence according to Philippian 1:6 The author and finsher or Alpha and Omega of our new born again faith
I would offer again baptism gets its roots in an old testament foundation. Certain members of the tribe of Levi were set aside to represent a kingdom of priest as ambassadors for Christ . The promised new manner of priesthood after Melchizedek and not tribe Levi as in tribe had come
The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.
Psalm 110:4
Psalm 104;4 would seem to be the kind of conversation spoken of between the believing Jew and those who have no faith that comes by hearing the word of God. Like, Why would a Levite like John the Baptist baptize a man from the tribe of Judah, Jesus. And now this man from Judah is ceremonially officiating those who have a desire to be a member of the kingdom of priest after the order of Melchizedek which I think represents Christianity.
The question had do with ceremonial purifying (non effectual) and not the actual purifying work of the water of the word. The unseen work of God.
Then there arose a
question between some of John's disciples and the Jews
about purifying. And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold,
the same baptizeth, and all men come to him.
John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom's voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease.John 6:25-30
The time of reformation had come the temporal time of kings used in Israel had served its purpose as a shadow of those who reject God as king reigning form heaven . The unbelieving elders gathered themselves together because of the jealousy of the surrounding Pagan nations. Ending kings in Israel because the new order of priesthood after Melchizedek had come
The Lord at thy right hand shall strike
through kings in the day of his wrath. He shall judge among the heathen, he shall fill the places with the dead bodies; he shall wound the heads over many countries. He shall drink of the brook in the way: therefore shall he lift up the head.
Psalm 110:5-7