When an individual accepts the Lord Jesus Christ as Savior, they are instantly born in God’s kingdom. Jesus called this experience being “born again” (John 3:3). The apostle Paul refers to it as being “saved” (Romans 10:9). After someone has this salvation experience, they should be baptized as an act of obedience to the Lord
(Matthew 28:19).
It is important to remember that baptism comes AFTER we are saved and NOT BEFORE we accept Christ. Also, we are baptized because we ARE saved, NOT IN ORDER TO BE SAVED.
New Testament baptism is by immersion only. Sprinkling or pouring water over someone’s head does not picture a belief in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. Baptism symbolizes our belief in the atoning death and triumphant resurrection of our Lord.