Essential, yes, in that it is, and should be the very first act of open obedience for the new Christian. Does Baptism save or is Baptism for remission of sins...no. Only the shedding of Christ's blood was for the remission of sin, and only the finished, once and for all work that the Lord did in His death and resurrection can save.
Just keep in mind...nothing YOU do has ANYTHING to do with your salvation. If something YOU did could in some way earn you eternal life and reconciliation with God, then Christ's sacrifice was not enough. And it was.
With much love,
In Christ,
Dave
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