Let's let Scripture interpret Scripture.
When we rightly divide the Word, we see that salvation has always been by grace through faith in God’s provision — never by human effort or ritual. The difference between Old and New Covenant isn’t how we’re saved, but how God revealed His plan of redemption.
1. Cornelius and Acts 10 — Faith Before Baptism
Cornelius feared God, prayed, and gave alms — yet he still needed the gospel to believe on Christ.
“To Him give all the prophets witness, that through His name whosoever believeth in Him shall receive remission of sins.” (Acts 10:43)The proof followed immediately:
“While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.” (Acts 10:44)
They received the Holy Spirit before baptism (v. 47–48).
God Himself confirmed that faith brings salvation; baptism follows as testimony.
2. Acts 8 and Acts 19 — Context and Purpose
Acts 8 – The Ethiopian Eunuch
Philip preached Jesus (v. 35), and the eunuch said,
“I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” (v. 37)Only after believing did he request baptism.Faith preceded baptism.
Acts 19 – The Disciples at Ephesus
They had been baptized into John’s baptism (v. 3), which was about repentance, not faith in the risen Christ.
When Paul explained the full gospel,
“They were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.” (v. 5)Again — belief came first, baptism followed.
3. Acts 2:38 — Understanding “For the Remission of Sins”
The Greek word eis (“for”) also means because of or on account of.
Just as the Ninevites “repented at (eis) the preaching of Jonah” (Matthew 12:41) — not to obtain his preaching but because of it —
so the Jews in Acts 2 were baptized because their hearts were already “pricked” (Acts 2:37) and they had believed Peter’s message about Christ.
Baptism didn’t earn their forgiveness; it expressed it — the public sign of inward repentance and faith.
4. The Thief on the Cross — Same Grace, Same Gospel
Yes, the thief lived before Pentecost, but salvation has never been by works.
“Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.” (Romans 4:3)“Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.” (Romans 4:8)
The thief simply believed:
“Lord, remember me…” (Luke 23:42)And Jesus replied,“Today shalt thou be with Me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43)
His faith alone united him to Christ — just as ours does.
5. How Do I Get Reborn Today?
Scripture answers plainly:
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.” (Acts 16:31)“Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God.” (1 John 5:1)
When you believe that Christ died for your sins and rose again (1 Cor 15:3–4), the Holy Spirit indwells you — that is the new birth.
Baptism is your outward confession of what God has already done within.
6. Why This Matters
If baptism were required for salvation, Paul would never have said:
“Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel.” (1 Cor 1:17)
Paul drew a clear distinction between the gospel that saves and the ordinance that follows.
Baptism is not the gospel itself — it’s the believer’s obedient testimony after receiving it.
Grace and peace to you, brother.
Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
Baptism is the beautiful outward declaration that we’ve already been washed — not by water, but by His blood (Revelation 1:5).
You need to convince those who don't know HIS word.
No matter what books you right, you will not enter Heaven with you sins or with out JESUS filling you with the Holy Ghost.
You should look up what the word "shall" means.
Best of luck.