Baptism

My little study group has an interesting mix of ex-Roman Catholics, ex-Lutherans, ex-Baptists of various persuasions and a scatterings of Christian subgroups.
Of course, I am the only "-ite".
The sole reformation viewpoint.

So, one asked about, "why the importance on Baptism in the various Christian sects?"

Well, John 3 ...

Is this Belief + Baptism ?
Or, Belief + evidence of the Holy Spirit ?

Yet, Peter needed to go baptize the new convert ......

Obviously, it is important to God.

If we consider Ezekiel 36:24-27
and John 3:16-19,
Then it is obvious that belief alone is basis of our salvation!

Yet, we are told that baptism is necessary.

Is it a matter of ritual cleansing?
Obedience?
Identification with other believers?

I suppose that the answer is yes to all of the above.
Based on the Bible.

I know in my life that I went 2 years before I was baptised.
The result of doing so was the opening of my mind to understanding more than just the words I rfead in the Bible.
It is very weird contrast.

Others I know experience nothing ....
Go figure