The topic is the difference between Churches of Christ and Reformed Baptist. Baptism is a major hurdle and worthy of discussion.
You do not get baptize because you are saved, which if I understand correctly is what you are saying. If this is true then other passages in the Bible are false. God is not the author of confusion (Corinthians 14:33).
Baptism is not an outward sign, or a symbolic act. But, this is a very important question you have asked, and the answer to it has eternal significance. The following is a brief list and explanation of several New Testament passages pertaining to the purpose and result of baptism.
In Mark 16:15-16, Jesus said "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned." From this text, Jesus said the purpose of baptism is to save the soul. Baptism is the proper response to hearing and believing the gospel. Peter said "baptism now saves you" in 1 Peter 3:21.
Baptism is the means by which one becomes a disciple: "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:19-20). The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch (Acts 11:26). Therefore, baptism is the means be which one becomes a Christian.
Baptism is the place where the washing away of sins takes place: "And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord' (Acts 22:16). Baptism is also here identified as the means by which one calls upon the name of the Lord (Acts 2:21; Romans 10:13). Revelation 1:5 says we are washed from our sins in the blood of Jesus. Therefore, it must be through baptism that the blood of Jesus is contacted.
Baptism is the place where remission of sins takes place: "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38). "For the remission of sins" means "to receive remission of sins," as Jesus said He shed His blood "for the remission of sins" (Matthew 26:28). This verse also shows us that it is in baptism that we receive the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
Baptism is the means by which one is justified by God's grace: "But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life" (Titus 3:4-7).
Note the phrase, "He saved us through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit " "Regeneration" literally means "new birth." So the new birth involves a washing, and it is accompanied by the work of the Holy Spirit. (Compare with previous notes on Acts 2:38)
This is what Jesus meant when He spoke of being "born again" in John 3:3. Jesus explained what being "born again" meant in John 3:5 - it is being born of water and Spirit. Note the presence of washing (baptism) and the Holy Spirit are found in all three texts.
Baptism is the means by which one expresses his faith in God to forgive. Colossians 2:12 says we are buried with Christ in baptism and raised through faith in the operation of God who raised Jesus from the dead. (Compare with Romans 6:3-11.)
Colossians 2:12 also explains how we receive the circumcision made without hands described in Colossians 2:11. Circumcision was the covenant God made between Himself and His people. Baptism is God's covenant for men today to become His children. It is in baptism that we are recognized and identified as children of God.
Finally, baptism is for the purpose of being in Christ: "For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ" (Galations 3:27). I must be "in Christ" to be a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). I must be "in Christ" if I am to be a partaker of all spiritual blessings (Ephesians 1:3). There is no condemnation for those who are "in Christ" (Romans 8:1). Thus, baptism is vital to receive all these benefits.
This should be sufficient to show the absolute necessity of baptism for men to be saved today.
Does anyone know the definition of a cult?
Variations among the thousands of religious cults today make precise definitions difficult. When people think of cults, they often think of belief in reincarnation, UFO's, bizarre sexual practices, or strange dietary practices, but these are not the primary marks of a cult. While each group has its own unique characteristics that set it apart from others, there are, however, some common characteristics found to certain degree among most all the cults that claim to be Christian.
The two primary traits are a claim of inspiration beyond the Bible and a de-throning of Jesus Christ. Almost always a cult gathers around a specific leader or that leader's interpretation of scripture. This devotion to one charismatic leader affects its attitude toward the Bible and Jesus Christ. Virtually all the cults supplement, and in reality supplant the scriptures by elevating the writings or teachings of their leader to the place that they are equal to, or above the Bible. They claim that there is more authority in their man-made writings or teachings than in what the Bible says. If pressed about contradictions and faults in their writings, they generally tear down the Bible or demean its inspiration. Not only do the cults reject reliance on the Bible alone, they also generally do not treat Jesus Christ as the Messiah. They may acknowledge Him as a great teacher or a great man, but seldom recognize Him as the only begotten son of God (John 3:16). Jesus said, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me (John 14:6). The cults reject this. Many modern cult leaders, such as Jim Jones of the Jonestown tragedy, have claimed to be Christ. Sun Myung Moon claimed to be the Messiah for the twentieth century, sent by God to complete the failed mission of Jesus.
A secondary characteristic usually found in the cults is mind control of their converts. By taking away the free will of their converts, or brainwashing them, they maintain control, and are better able to promote their anti-Christ agendas. The cults advance this mind control by rigorously controlling every waking moment of the member's time. They consider the regimented life a reflection of devotion to the leader. In addition, the cults usually cut off the members from the outside world and normal family relations, lest they be drawn away from the cult. This isolation from the world helps fuel the paranoia felt by most groups, and adds to the peer pressure necessary for keeping the members in line. They consider non-members the agents of Satan, ignorant, and untrustworthy. They thus consider it proper for the cultist to lie to those outside, or use any kind of deception necessary to accomplish cult purposes. It does matter what one believes in the realm of religion. Many think that as long as one is sincere, any belief is right. Rejection of Christ and the Bible, however, cannot but lead to destruction. Christ warned that one day He will return, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Thessalonians 1:8). The gospel revealed in the Bible must be obeyed.