"Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment." (Hebrews 6:2) 
We have covered Faith and Repentance from dead works so far and now I will show you the "doctrine of baptisms". It involves more than you would think, there are two baptisms, one of physical nature and one of a spiritual nature. Both of them bring you into closer relationship with the Father through His Son Jesus Christ. The first confirmation of this is the scripture above. You see Paul did not say baptism (singular), but baptisms (plural). There is a physical baptism involving water in a ceremonial washing away of sins and a spiritual baptism of fire which is the Holy Spirit.
 Baptism of WaterWe will first look at the Baptism of water. We see this baptism of water by John in the wilderness. He was of course the forerunner to Jesus.
 
 "John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins." (Mark 1:4) 
Baptize is translated from a Greek word that means "completely wet". So this is a process where the person is dipped into the water from head to toe. They were coming to him ready to repent of their sins. Jesus had not paid the sacrifice yet and so their baptism by water was only an outward symbol of an inward change of heart. The same holds true today. It is not the baptism that frees us from bondage but the precious life that was given, the blood of the Lamb of God!  Baptism of water is a symbol of Christ's death and resurrection. By being baptized we show Jesus' death, burial and resurrection and our own to the world and to sin. Jews and non-Jews alike used ritual washing to show a washing away of former things. It was common for a washing of hands to ceremonially rid the person of something done with those hands, as if to make them innocent. Our Baptism by Water into Jesus Christ is our public presentation of our new life in Christ. The washing of sins being washed away, by the water(representing the Blood of Jesus).
 
"Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin." (Romans 6:3-7) 
Many people get scriptures mixed up and think you have to be baptized to be saved, but this is not true. Nothing we do can save us, Eternal life is a gift. We only have to receive it. The baptism of water, baptizes us into death. So that being dead we can live anew unto him. But understand this water baptism is not necessary for eternal life; once again it is a public statement of your faith. It is an act of faith, a righteous work. It is accounted for on judgment day, but that is after you have received Jesus Christ and become "born again" or born from above. That is spiritual birth, becoming the new creature in Christ. Nothing we can do physically will "save" us and grant us eternal life. Always remember; Eternal life is a gift! Consider the repentant thief on the cross.
 
"And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise." (Luke 23:42-43) 
This thief showed that he believed that Jesus was Lord in the words he used. Jesus told him that he would be in paradise that very day. This holds true to what happens at the death, our spirit and soul return immediately to god who gave it. (Ecclesiastes 12:7, 2nd Corinthians 4:18-5:10) When we pass from this life, this flesh body, we are absent from this body and present with the Lord, that is in His presence. The thief above was sorry and believed on the Son. He was given eternal life on that very day.
 
"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23) 
The GIFT of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. So water baptism cannot save you. It is that outward appearance of a spiritual event. Your death to sin and resurrection into new life in Jesus Christ.
 
 Next: Part II - Baptism of Fire

Basic Training

Baptisms - Part I: Of Water