"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new" (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Conversion takes place when one is "in Christ." In Christ, the sinner is now forgiven, a new creature (born again) - God's creation of new life out of the old, dead person of sin (Col. 2:12-13). Tragically, many have not been fully taught how to be "in Christ" in order to be His "new creation." The Scriptures explain that we are baptized into Christ (Rom. 6:3; Gal. 3:27). It is telling that we do not read of "believing into Christ" or "repenting into Christ" or "confessing faith in to Christ." Belief, repentance and confession of faith are essential in order to be saved, yet it is uniquely baptism that places one "in Christ." In Christ we have a relationship with Him, not outside of Him. Yet, faith alone does not put one "in Christ" like baptism does. Hence, faith alone (without baptism) does not produce "a new creation" who is "in Christ."