I recently got into an argument on another forum site where there was a fellow highlighting the requirements of Salvation, which I agreed for the most part, until the subject of Baptism. He was another claiming the old Acts 2:38 argument which says: 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.
I explained back that Baptism is a public declaration of faith, and I also answered with a few more verses explaining faith and grace as opposed to deeds and acts of righteousness. What do people think? Is Baptism a requirement of Salvation?

I don't think it's essential. Romans 10:9-10 says if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.

The Apostles preached repentance and confession of sins, along with baptism by immersion as an outward sign of the new life in Christ. But I don't think you're going to be denied salvation if you're never baptized. Baptism is an act of faith though in that you've put to death the old life and are walking in newness of life.

Literally in the Greek Peter said, "Repent and be baptized every one of you into the name of Jesus Christ," which is an interesting point to make into a relationship with him. So that verse is saying be baptized into a relationship with Christ for the forgiveness of sins, but the baptism isn't what makes that relationship, just a demonstration of it.

No it is not. You are just being cleansed by the holy spirit though you do not need that really to happen to be faithful. You will be fine if you do not get baptized and I will believe that you can still go to heaven.

From looking at just that verse, it would seem that Baptism is a requirement for salvation, but looking at the Bible as a whole, one cannot make that statement. One can say that Baptism is a Christian duty and demonstration that is closely related to your salvation, but other verses clearly indicated that it is not a requirement.