In one word
If the meaning of baptism could be summarized in one word, that would be identification. Baptism speaks primarily of personal, public identification with Jesus Christ.
It’s importance
How important is your baptism? It means you personally identify with the greatest act of history—the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Baptism doesn’t save you—salvation comes by faith alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). Your guilt before God is removed the moment you trust in Christ. Baptism is your personal testimony to your own faith in Christ.
Promises
The person being baptised, answers the following questions.
Do you turn to Christ? I turn to Christ.
Do you repent of your sins? I repent of my sins.
Do you reject selfish living, and all that is false and unjust? I reject them all.
Do you renounce Satan and all evil? I renounce all that is evil.
Will you, by God’s grace, strive to live as a disciple of Christ, loving God with your whole heart, and your neighbour as yourself, until your life’s end? I will, with God’s help.
What about children?
If children are too young to make these promises for themselves, then parents and godparents make these promises on behalf of the child. They promise to pray for the child. They also promise to set an example so that their child attends church each Sunday with them so that when the child is older, they will confirm those same promises in front of the Bishop and the congregation at a Confirmation Service.