If, at the moment of salvation, we are justified, sanctified, baptized into the Body of Christ, and sealed, all of these things BY the Holy Spirit, and seated in heavenly places in Christ, then there is no time, let alone reason for water baptism.
"and such were some of you; but ye ARE WASHED, but ye ARE SANCTIFIED, but ye ARE JUSTIFIED in the name of the Lord Jesus, and BY THE SPIRIT of our God." (1 Cor. 6:11).
But this can only said in the dispensation of the Grace of God.
"There is ONE body, and ONE spirit, even as ye are called in ONE hope of your calling. ONE Lord, ONE faith, ONE baptism, ONE God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." (Eph. 4:4-6).
The VERY most water baptism can do in this dispensation is simply make a person a member of a particular denomination.
Which is why Paul could say without reservation, "For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, LEST THE CROSS OF CHRIST SHOULD BE MADE OF NONE EFFECT. FOR THE PREACHING OF THE CROSS is to them that perish foolishness, but unto us which are saved it IS THE POWER OF GOD." (1Cor. 1:17,18).
THIS is why water baptism passed off the scene and from the program of God. In the dispensation of grace, it the preaching of the cross and that alone that is proclaimed. Neither religious rites nor wisdom of words could or should be used to detract from the mighty accomplishments of Calvary.
Your #10 smvoice
Excellent Post! Very clear, concise and edifying.