While I think many things in the scripture are onions of meaning (and sometimes improperly interpreted literally like Revelation), being overly symbolic also confuses some things. There are ample, explicit writings inside the New Testament and among early church writers (like the Didache) that the meaning of baptism was important as was the ritual displaying that meaning.

Biblical study is a science (hermenutics). Not one that will ever be fully understood.

If we hand waive what Jesus said and make our own meanings, we are acting over Jesus, not under him.