Is physical baptism symbolic, that is, an outward reflection of inward reality, or is it actually really necessary as part of salvation?
ANSWER:
Water baptism is a sign of being put to death with Messiah and rising in newness of life. We are not saved by works, but by the favor of Yahweh. His salvation is a free gift. Physical immersion is only an outward sign of baptism (cleansing and renewing) of the heart and mind, which is the most important thing. However, if our hearts and minds are immersed in the blood of the lamb, and if we do desire to die to flesh and put on newness of life, we would most certainly want to partake of the physical baptism as well. As Peter said, "Repent (spiritual turning around and renewal) and be baptized (the physical sign of what has happened spiritually), every one of you, in the Name of the Master Yahshua, for the remission of sins." Obviously, it is not the physical things we do (such as water baptism, keeping of the Sabbath, helping others, telling the truth, teaching our children of Yahweh, etc.) which save us, but they are outward manifestations of what He has done in our lives. If we have learned these things and are NOT doing them, I fear there is a problem in the inner man, and that spiritual baptism has not really taken place.