How does baptism relate to salvation in Christ?

Baptism serves as a public declaration of faith in Christ and His saving work. In John 1:26-27, John the Baptist acknowledges that while he baptizes with water, it is Christ who truly saves. Baptism symbolizes the believer's identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection but has no saving power itself. It emphasizes the transformative grace that believers receive through faith in Christ alone. Therefore, while baptism is an important step in confessing faith, it is Christ's sacrifice that is foundational for our salvation.