What is baptism for?

[Ecclesiastes 12:13]

Many will tell you that baptism is "an outward showing of an inward change", or that it is an "act of obedience after salvation", or that it is a "public profession of faith".

But what do the holy scriptures say?

The holy scriptures are able to make us wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 3:1). 

And they declare that if any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God (1 Peter 4:11).

Therefore, to describe baptism as the aforementioned descriptions of baptism that people give, is error. For the holy scriptures themselves never describe baptism as such.

The holy scriptures plainly state that baptism in the name of Jesus Christ is for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38). 

The holy scriptures plainly state that baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 3:21).

The holy scriptures plainly state that it is when we are buried with him by baptism that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin (Romans 6:6).

And the reason we are baptized in the name of Jesus Christ is because it is written that whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved (Romans 10:13).

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).

He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.