The Greek word behind "baptize" means to dip or immerse, and the New Testament's baptism scenes consistently describe candidates going down into the water and coming back up, such as Philip and the Ethiopian official both entering and leaving the water together. This matters because immersion is the visual heart of the symbol: burial with Christ under the water and rising to new life as the person emerges, a picture that sprinkling or pouring does not fully convey. Choosing immersion is not about ritual precision for its own sake, but about letting the physical act preach the same gospel truth Paul described in Romans.
Salvation is entirely by grace through faith in Christ. His atoning sacrifice, heavenly ministry, and intercession are the foundation of assurance; obedience, Sabbath faithfulness, and loving service are the fruit of a redeemed life, never a way to purchase acceptance with God.