You likewise don't know what you're talking about. You said " Today's water baptism is a public visible, outwardly expression, of one's inner spiritual change/dedication/commitment."
Where in the bible is this found? Where do you find a distinction between "today's water baptism" and the biblical baptism? That are the same! And baptism is not a public display or outward expression of anything; that's not its intent as the scriptures clearly say in black and white. Read the account of the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8. It was only he and Philip in the middle of nowhere!
Acts 2:38 indicates the intent of baptism which differs from your own, unscriptural, view of it as relates to the Jews on the day of Pentecost. The same applies to us today and why (scripturally) would it not? Where do the scriptures say that the requirements of Acts 2:38 was for the Jews only at that time, and what about the benefits attained as described in Acts 2:38-47: sins remitted, receipt of the Holy Ghost, addition to the church by the Lord?
The baptism of the Holy Ghost as described by John in Matthew 3 as well as Luke 3:16, was also referenced to as "power from on high" by Jesus in Luke 24:49 which statement was made to his apostles, and was further restated in Acts 1:4-5, and did in fact happen as recorded in Acts 2:1-4. And in Acts 2:16, Peter said "THIS IS THAT" which was spoken of---.
And regarding your quote of 1 Cor 12:13, read the original Greek in the interlinear. There it says "in one Spirit" not "by one Spirit". The Greek word is 'en', "in", not 'by'.
Go study some more and seek out the truth.
Not surprised by your reply. You're free to believe whatever you choose. Feel free to add me to your so-called Christian list. I adamantly reject your works based requirements for salvation.
Baptized by or in, the believer is baptized BY Christ's Holy Spirit IN to His Body (1 Cor 12:13 parsed below). A Christian has Christ-IN-them (no water required).
Col 1:27 To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
(MY NOTE: When Peter is speaking in Acts 2. He's speaking to Jews only. No gentile is given the Holy Spirit until aprx 7 years later in Acts 10. This mystery/secret isn't revealed until the risen Christ chooses Paul & sends him to the gentiles. Acts 26:15-18)
The message is inverted from be baptized & received the Holy Sprit (Temple My Jews only) To believe & receive the Holy Spirit in Acts 10.
Rom 5:9 Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.
(MY NOTE: Rom 5:1-2; God's grace is accessed by faith (no water needed). Here; since therefore, we have now been justified by his blood. Justified means: Declared righteous/placed in a right standing with the Father. Christ is the Justifier:
Rom 3:26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus
(MY NOTE Justified via Belief)
Eph 2:
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith.
9 And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God,
(MY NOTE: Saved by Grace thru Faith & no self-works, to include water immersion)
Eph 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
(MY NOTE: One Lord, one faith & one SPIRITUAL baptism. See next verse cited)
1 Cor 12:13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
(MY NOTE: "BY" ONE SPIRIT/Holy Spirit. Believers are baptized "IN" to the Body of Christ. Only Christ can preform spiritual baptism)
Col 2:11 In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision """made without hands""", in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
(NOTE: The baptism of the Holy Spirit is a SPIRITUAL circumcision/covenant done By the Lord without hands)
Gal 3:14 So that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.
(MY NOTE: The forever (indwelling (Jn 14:16) Holy Spirit (an eternal SEAL of Christ's protection) of Promise is received thru FAITH & no water needed)
2 Cor 5:5 He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.
(MY NOTE: Christ/God has given the believer His Holy Spirit as a salvation guarantee. Accessed thru Faith & no H2O required!)
At conversion every believer receives he following GIFTS thru Faith Alone!
HOLY SPIRIT - A gift given thru FAITH: Acts 10:45, 11:17
ETERNAL LIFE - A gift given thru FAITH: Rom 6:23, Jn 5:24
RIGHTEOUSNESS - A gift given thru FAITH: Rom 4:5 & 5:17-18
GRACE - Given freely & received thru FAITH: Rom 3:24, 4:16, 5:1-2, 15, Eph 2:5 & 8
A gift is given & not earned.