Water Baptism is an act of obedience to Jesus Christ and a public declaration of your faith in Him.
It if the outward expression of the inward transformation that has already taken place through salvation.
We are saved by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. Baptism is something we do because we have been saved-not to be saved.
Ephesians 2:8-9
"For by grace you have been saved through faith...it is the gift of God, not of works..."
Before ascending to heaven, Jesus gave this command:
Matthew 28: 19-20
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit..."
Jesus also set the example by being baptized himself.
Matthew 3: 13-17
"And when Jesus was baptized, immediately He went up from the water; and behold, the heavens were opned to Him."
When you go under the water, you identify with Christ's death and burial--your old life has been left behind.
When you come out of the water, you identify with Christ's resurrection--raised to walk in the new life He has given you.
Who Should Be Baptized?
The New Testament pattern is simple: Believe in Jesus first, then be baptized.
Acts 2:41
"Those who gladly received his word were baptized."
Acts 8:36-38
"And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught Phillip away."