Baptism represents a profound spiritual transformation where believers symbolically die to their old selves and rise to new life in Christ. Through full immersion, we physically enact the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. While not required for salvation, baptism follows a consistent biblical pattern where people first believe in Jesus and then are baptized as an act of obedience. This ordinance marks a significant shift in identity, empowering Christians to reckon themselves dead to sin and alive to God. Though challenges remain after baptism, believers now possess the spiritual authority to resist sin and live in their new identity.