There are many different ideas within the church today about the significance of baptism as it relates to salvation. Throughout the New Testament the word baptism means "to dip or immerse." It never means pour and it never means sprinkle. The idea behind baptism, by immersion then, is a specific and literal identification in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus [Romans 6:1-4.] Moreover, baptism is a clear command throughout the teaching of Jesus as well as the early church. Jesus Himself was baptized [Matt. 3:13-16] Jesus commanded baptism [Matt. 28:19] The Holy Spirit commanded baptism [Acts 1:8/2:38], Peter commanded it [Acts 10:48]. Paul taught the Galatian church that through baptism we are "clothed with Christ" [3:27] 

In fact, there exists no record in the New Testament anywhere of any believers who were not baptized. The biblical example is simply one of obedience. This is what we desire to follow.
This brings us to a difficult question. Because baptism is an identification with Jesus' death, and since we cannot be "raised with Christ" unless we "die to self" [Rom. 6:5-7], then what does that suggest about the person who claims he has surrendered to God and yet will not allow himself to be buried with his Savior? (See Colossians 2:8-12) Dead men do not struggle with obedience.