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The 3000 were saved prior to being baptized, Cornelius was saved prior to baptism, the Samaritans were saved prior to baptism, the Ethiopian eunuch was saved prior to baptism.

Question: can you please show me the exact place in the text where it says that any of these people were SAVED at those times that you mention? I don't see that, anywhere.

Do you really think that Peter, who was witness to the 3000, Cornelius and the Samaritans would all of a sudden say that "just baptizing", that is getting dunked with no change, no repentance, would save someone?

No; repentance is a necessary PRECONDITION for Baptism (of anyone who's attained the age of reason). That's Why St. Peter said, when the crowds begged him about what to do, "REPENT, *AND* be baptized, every one of you, in the Name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins [...]".

Noah and his family were saved because of their...wait for it...faith in God and His ability to deliever them.

Yes... and? Read 1 Peter 3:19 for a description of the holy, righteous people who were "in prison" but awaiting their release into Heaven.

Baptism is the expression of that faith in God and His ability to save you.

That puts me in a dilemma: should I accept eagleone's view on that, or the Bible's? See 1 Peter 3:21, Acts 2 (which you just referenced!), etc.

>>The 3000 were saved prior to being baptized, Cornelius was saved prior to baptism, the Samaritans were saved prior to baptism, the Ethiopian eunuch was saved prior to baptism.<<

Question: can you please show me the exact place in the text where it says that any of these people were SAVED at those times that you mention? I don't see that, anywhere.

For the 3000...Acts 2:47 "praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved."

For Cornelius...Acts 10:43-48...esp v47..."surely no one can refuse the water for these to be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we did, can he?"

Who receives the Holy Spirit? Believers in Christ. They are secure in this as noted in Eph 1:13-14.

Eunuch....Acts 8:35-38..."and as they went along the road they came to some water; and the eunuch said, "Look! Water! What prevents me from being baptized? And Philip said, "if you believe with all your heart, you may." And he answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."

This is noted in John 3:16 and many other places....belief in Christ is necessary for salvation. And for those who do believe, they have eternal life.

Yes... and? Read 1 Peter 3:19 for a description of the holy, righteous people who were "in prison" but awaiting their release into Heaven.

No where does 1 Peter 3:19 say what you're indicating. These are not "holy, righteous" people which is made clear in v20. v20 notes these spirits were disobedient referring back to the people who rejected God in the time of Noah.

A simple question....what if someone is in a car wreck and they are dying. A Christian witnesses to this person much as Peter, Philip or Paul did and this person believes in Jesus as a Christian does.

They die without benefit of baptism, good works, etc.

Are they counted as a believer or just some poor dude who is not a believer because he didn't get baptized?