Why is baptism important in the church?

Baptism holds significant importance as it is instituted by Christ for the church to observe until His return. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus commands His disciples to baptize believers in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, signifying their identification with Him and the faith they profess. It serves as a tangible representation of the inward change that occurs at the moment of genuine faith in Christ and as a requisite for church membership. Thus, a proper understanding and practice of baptism is vital to maintain the integrity of the church's doctrine and witness.