One thing that might amaze you is that, counter intuitively, Baptists actually believe that baptism has nothing to do with salvation! Get a load of that! :) We actually believe that baptism as a believer is very important, and is required for church membership, but the issue of salvation is no where in the picture. We see it as an outward and public sign of an obedience to God. Jesus did it, said we should do it, so we should do it. I think it's pretty funny myself, because it is perfectly reasonable for any non-Baptist to assume the opposite.
You mean, the ritual, -- the water and the prayers, -- does not have anything to do with salvation. You certainly believe that a profession of faith has everything to do with it. I think, I expressed my knowledge of this belief in 551. I also agreed to a refined statement of what the baptists believe in 558. I, of course, disagree on the truth of that belief, but I think I have grasped its essence. Am I still inaccurate?