Baptism is the step we take when we want to publicly proclaim our personal commitment to following Jesus. It symbolizes the washing away of our old, sinful past and our rising to new life, God's way. Baptism is an outward expression of an inward decision to follow Jesus. Baptism identifies us with Jesus. It is a physical symbol of our spiritual reality.
"That's what baptism into the life of Jesus means. When we are lowered into the water, it is like the burial of Jesus; when we are raised up out of the water, it is like the resurrection of Jesus. Each of us is raised into a light-filled world by our Father so that we can see where we're going in our new grace-sovereign country." Romans 6:3-5 MSG
"Peter's words pierced their hearts, and they said to him and to the other apostles, "Brothers, what should we do?", Peter replied, "Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." Acts 2:37-38 NLT