What is the role of baptism according to the Bible?

According to biblical teaching, baptism is an ordinance meant for believers as a symbol of their faith in Christ. It represents the believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. As John 3:22-36 shows, baptism symbolizes a public confession of what has already taken place in the heart of the believer; it does not confer salvation but rather signifies one's commitment to following Christ. Furthermore, it serves as a visible testimony of one's faith, illustrating the transformative work of grace that has occurred within, aligning with the scriptural directive to make disciples and baptize them.