Why is baptism a symbol of the gospel?

Baptism is a profound symbol of the gospel as it encapsulates the essence of Christ's redemptive work. It illustrates that just as Christ died and was resurrected, believers who are baptized publicly declare their faith and identify with that same event. According to 1 Peter 3, baptism serves as a symbol of salvation through judgment, much like Noah's ark represented safety through the flood. In essence, baptism signifies that through the judgment Christ bore, believers are united with Him, reaffirming the gospel's message of grace and reconciliation with God. Thus, the act of baptism becomes an expression of the believer's faith and understanding of the transformative power of the gospel.