"Being Born Again and Baptism."
[posted prior to 10/12/02]
http://ichthys.com 
Question:  
Does baptism play a role in being born again? 
Response:  
Being born again is entirely a spiritual experience - it takes place when a person puts their faith in Jesus Christ (see the link: Rebirth). Water baptism is only a ritual (whether we are talking about John's, Jesus', or believer water baptism - not to be confused with the Spirit baptism all believers receive on faith in Christ: Rom.8:9).  Water baptism has nothing to do with salvation or eternal life. The important thing in rebirth is faith, for it is only through faith in Jesus Christ that a person receives God's new life (1Jn.5:10-12) and passes from death to life (1Jn.3:14; cf. Jn.5:24). 
Please see also the following links for more about the subject:
Baptism:  Water and Spirit 
Baptism and Following Jesus
Is Baptism Necessary for Salvation?
The 'baptism which now saves you': 1st Peter 3:21.
An Extended Conversation about the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.
Is water baptism required for Christians today?
Hope this helps,
Yours in Christ, 
Bob Luginbill 
http://ichthys.com