1. It means we have turned from the old life of sin to a new life in Jesus Christ.
2. It means we are publicly identifying with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.
3. It means we are openly joining the ranks of those who believe in Christ.
When you are baptized, you are visually preaching the gospel. As you stand in the water waiting to be baptized, first, you symbolize Jesus dying on the cross. Second, you symbolize Jesus buried in the tomb as you are lowered into the water. As you are raised from the water, you symbolize Jesus rising from the dead.