What is the significance of baptism in the life of a believer?

In the life of a believer, baptism holds great significance as it serves as an outward sign of an inward change. It symbolizes the believer's identification with Jesus Christ and His work of redemption. As demonstrated in the sermon, while baptism itself does not save, it is an act of obedience to God's command (as seen in Genesis 12 and Acts 7 regarding Abraham's obedience). Baptism publicly proclaims the believer's faith and their commitment to follow Christ, rooted in the understanding that faith itself is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8). Furthermore, it is an acknowledgment of the new life believers have in Christ, which is the result of the effectual call of God in their lives.