Many beliefs are expressed. However, scripture is the final authority. And scripture reveals that one's sin is dealt with upon obedience to the command to be baptized in water in the name of Jesus Christ; it is the very counsel of God. (Luke 7:30)
Jesus made it clear that being born again involved water and Spirit, and was necessary in order to enter the kingdom of God. (John 3:3-5) Note in every detailed conversion account, individuals believed the gospel message, were indwelt by the Holy Spirit and baptized in water in the name of Jesus Christ. See: Acts 2:38-41, 8:12-18, 9:17-18, 10:43-48, 19:1-6, 22:16. As Jesus prophesied, the same message would be carried to all nations beginning in Jerusalem. (Luke 24:47)
Note as well that Saul, prior to becoming the Apostle Paul, was instructed to wash away his sins in baptism calling upon the name of the Lord. (Acts 22:16) Afterward Paul addresses what he came to understand regarding what occurs when a person is obedient to God's command:
"Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.
FOR IF (only IF) we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, (via baptism) we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, (note in baptism sin is destroyed) that henceforth we should not serve sin." Rom 6:3-6
"In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead." Col 2:11-12