Nicodemus and John 3:16

Baptism obviously is important. When Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews, came by night to talk to Jesus, the first thing Jesus said to him was, 

"Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God." - John 3:3

Nicodemus did not understand that Jesus was speaking about BAPTISM.

"Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?" - John 3:4 

Jesus clarified that He was NOT talking about a PHYSICAL birth from our mother – He was talking about a SPIRITUAL birth being born again by WATER BAPTISM and SPIRIT BAPTISM. 

"Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit." - John 3:5-6 

Jesus next spoke to Nicodemus of His crucifixion - that He must be “lifted up.”  

"And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:" - John 3:14 

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." - John 3:16 

JESUS IS STILL SPEAKING TO NICODEMUS!

Next, Jesus spoke about the importance of His NAME – “JESUS” – to be saved. 

"He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God." - John 3:18 

What does Jesus do next?

Jesus BAPTIZED.

"After these things came Jesus and his disciples into the land of Judaea; and there he tarried with them, and baptized." - John 3:22 

Yes, WATER BAPTISM in the NAME OF JESUS is not only important, it is NECESSARY for our SALVATION.

"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved." - Acts 4:12 

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." - Acts 2:38