Why must People Be Baptized?

Those who believe and are baptized shall be saved:

Mark 16:16

Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.

1 Peter 3:21

And this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

Unto the forgiveness of sins:

Acts 2:38

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Be baptized and wash away your sins:

Acts 22:16

And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.’

In order to walk in a new life:

Romans 6:4

We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.

To be born anew of water and the Spirit:

John 3:3-5

3 In reply Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.”

4 “How can a man be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb to be born!”

5 Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.