To become a new creature. To receive the answer of a good conscience. Reconciliation occurs in Christ. Baptism puts one in Christ where reconciliation occurs. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Reconciliation also occurs in the body.
We are baptized into one body. To be redeemed. One is baptized into Christ where redemption occurs. Baptism is not the only act of obedience that is important as already observed, however it is not less important than faith, repentance or any other essential element to salvation. We must allow the Bible to speak for itself and lay aside all denominational ideas that shade our thinking about the subject.