The only baptism that saves is being actually immersed into CHRIST HIMSELF. The water is a symbol of this, not the substance. This is the baptism referred to in 1 Peter 3:21 - NOT THE REMOVAL OF DIRT when you go into water. Read the text.

Being born of water is NOT baptism in water. The water is the Word of God (Eph. 5:26) and 1 Peter 1:23 says we are born of God's Word. If not then all the great revivalists that were not baptists were unsaved.

Mark 16:16 says NOTHING about the person who truly believes and is NOT baptized, or about the person who believes and is not baptized - but other Scriptures DO, like John 3:16.

Baptism is required by informed believers. Refusal to do so when knowing it is the will of God is proof that a person does not savingly believe the gospel.

Sadly we have inherited a situation of much religious confusion. And today we have plenty of baptized in water people who have nothing like the practical sanctification of many of the people of the past who trusted God and did great exploits for God, and were changed in their hearts greatly by the love of God.

What counts is Christ. He who has the Son HAS life. 1 John 5:12. Being IN HIM is what counts. And we know if we are in him by the SPIRIT he has given us, not by a baptismal certificate.

Once you are in Christ, get baptized to prove yourself an obedient disciple of Christ.

But please remember who it is that saves you, and Who you must cling to if you want to be saved.