Water doesn't mean a metaphor for "gospel" or "Word of God". If it did, Jesus would have said so. Water means physical water. Spiritualizing everything in sight is leaning too heavily towards the Manichean heresy, where all earthly things are evil, and good only exists in heaven.
If water is a metaphor, then so is "spirit". Spirit is never used metaphorically or symbolically in scripture.
Acts 8:36 – the eunuch recognizes the necessity of water for his baptism. Water and baptism are never separated in the Scriptures.
Acts 10:47 – Peter says “can anyone forbid water for baptizing these people..?” The Bible always links water and baptism, not metaphors and baptism.
Titus 3:5-6 – Paul writes about the “washing of regeneration,” which is “poured out on us” in reference to water baptism. “Washing” (loutron) generally refers to a ritual washing with water. Loutron never refers to metaphors.
Heb. 10:22 – the author is also writing about water baptism in this verse. “Having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” Our bodies are washed with pure water in water baptism. Try taking a shower with metaphors.
2 Kings 5:14 – Naaman dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, and his flesh was restored like that of a child. This foreshadows the regenerative function of baptism, by water and the Holy Spirit. Naaman didn't dip himself seven times in a metaphorical Jordan.
Acts 22:16 – Ananias tells Paul, “arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins,” even though Paul was converted directly by Jesus Christ. This proves that Paul’s acceptance of Jesus as personal Lord and Savior was not enough to be forgiven of his sin and saved. The sacrament of baptism is required.
Acts 22:16 – further, Ananias’ phrase “wash away” comes from the Greek word “apolouo.” “Apolouo” means an actual cleansing which removes sin. It is not a symbolic covering up of sin. Even though Jesus chose Paul directly in a heavenly revelation, Paul had to be baptized to have his sins washed away.
