I just thought of something, if baptism is symbolic of the greater spiritual reality... that being the conversion of a sinner unto Christ, as found in the scriptures, it would make sense that baptism is tied to faith/belief/conversion to Christ. So yes, baptism is often tied to faith (and salvation) for the first generation Christians. But there are also many verses that speak of faith and salvation without any mention of baptism. I don't mean to discredit God's ordinances but we should also not put even greater emphasis (or equal to the indwelling of the HS) than the Bible does. Because in reality, without the inner work of the HS the outward symbolic act is empty.

BIGD - Do you believe baptism is symbolic (the outward sign) of the greater inward reality (regeneration/faith) of the believer?

I think even you believe that w/out the inward dwelling of the HS the outward act of baptism is to none effect.

The mercy of God is necessary not only when a person repents, but even to lead him to repent, Augustine