Baptism is a powerful, public declaration of your faith in Jesus Christ, symbolizing your identification with His death, burial, and resurrection. As the first step of obedience after salvation, it follows Jesus’ own example when He was baptized on earth. Being submerged in water represents dying to your old life, and being raised out signifies your new, transformed life in Christ. While not required for salvation, baptism is a command for all believers (Matthew 28:19-20; Acts 2:38, 41), marking three key truths: you are a follower of Jesus, you are beginning a changed life in Him, and you are part of a new family in Christ.