Baptism is important. It is very symbolic, firstly it symbolises a spiritual cleansing, which is a theme dating back to the Old Testament.

“The Levites purified themselves from sin, and they washed their clothes; and Aaron offered them for a wave offering before Yahweh and Aaron made atonement for them to cleanse them.”(Numbers 8:21)

This idea is carried forwards into the New Testament:

“Now why do you wait? Arise, be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.” (Acts 22:16)

But baptism also symbolises death and a new life:

”We were buried therefore with him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life.

For if we have become united with him in the likeness of his death, we will also be part of his resurrection.” (Romans 6:4&5)

It also shows commitment from a new believer. It is a public demonstration of their private decision to follow Jesus, asking him to be their Saviour. Occasionally, because of severe health issues or extreme circumstances, it is simply not possible to be baptised, God will understand. Returning to our verse from Mark, it is the one who disbelieves, who will be condemned. But if you have the chance and you are truly committed to Christ, why wouldn’t you be baptised?