Baptism is an outward sign of an inner transformation. Baptism is reminiscent of the mikvah, a cleansing bath.
Baptism is important but it doesn't save us. Only one thing does that.
And it can only be done if God calls us to his good news.
Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
If one truly believes God raised Jesus from the dead they will be saved. The question is does that salvation happen immediately? Or, does believing naturally result in obedience to what God's word says is required of everyone? Please bare with me and read the following because I believe Jesus, Peter and Paul give much insight. Keep in mind that in order to be saved one's sins must be remitted and that Holy Ghost must come to dwell within the believer.
Jesus advised the apostles that, (1)
Repentance and remission would be preached in his name beginning in Jerusalem. And they were not to proceed, but (2)
wait in Jerusalem because He would be sending the Holy Ghost. (Luke 24:47-49) These things occurred on the Day of Pentecost. (2) The
Holy Ghost was poured out with the evidence of speaking in tongues. And according to the gospel message, first preached by the Apostle Peter, EVERYONE was required to (1)
repent, and be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus for remission of sin,
and they could expect to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost as well. Afterward as Jesus stated in Matthew 28:19 those who had complied were to go into all nations and share the gospel with others.
Notice Paul's reference to the gospel below, it states that the righteousness of God is REVEALED from faith to faith. One step of faith, leads to the next, and the next, etc. Example; belief, repentance, etc...
Rom 1:16-17
"For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith."
The first steps a believer takes does not result in automatic salvation. Believers receive their spiritual rebirth through obedience to God's commands but afterward must go forth and confess that Jesus is Lord to the lost and dying world. This includes teaching them to observe the same things that were required of us as new believers. (Matt. 28:19)
Matt 28:19-20
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them
in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever
I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."
Paul's comment about working out our own salvation with fear and trembling speaks to this truth. (Php 2:12)