Repent and Be Baptized

I have always struggled with this verse. Not in a sense of knowing what it means when taken in the proper context but when used as fodder for joining a church. I have heard this verse used to support the idea of belonging to a certain community of believers. They believed if you really wanted to be a part of their church, then you would be baptized into the Church. Baptism was used to demonstrate their allegiance to that Church. It wasn’t used as demonstrated by Christ in Matthew 3:16. It wasn’t used as a public profession of faith, but as a demonstration of loyalty. I’ve also seen this verse used to support the idea of multiple baptisms. I was baptized as a teen and really didn’t know what I was doing, so I’ve decided to be baptized again is something I hear frequently within the church. I believe in one baptism and won’t get wrapped around the axle as to what means is used to baptize. I have one particular kind of baptism I favor, but if someone else explains to me the means of why they were baptized and understand the theology behind it, I don’t struggle with it. It’s not a show stopper for me.  But when someone approaches me who hasn’t been walking in obedience and wants to use baptism as a means of rededicating their life to Christ, and uses this verse to support his or hers position I have a problem with. Some would argue were they regenerate in the first place? I agree with the author when he states “baptism is not the means of salvation, but rather is closely tied as the subsequent symbol of it.” I’m so glad to know that my salvation is not based on works (baptism), but is based on my faith in Christ alone. No additional small print added or hidden in the book of Revelation. We are saved through faith and not of works (Titus 3:5; Eph 2:8-9). It takes the focus off of us and puts the attention where it belongs, on the Cross.