READ : Matthew 3:1-17
“…we are buried with him by baptism into death: that…as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” – Romans 6:4
Baptism comes from the Greek word baptiso which means “immersion”. Water baptism is therefore the immersion of a person totally into water. It is not sprinkling or pouring of water. A lot of water is needed for baptism by immersion (Matthew 3:16, John 3:23).
Water baptism is a command to anyone who becomes born again and a direct act of obedience to Christ’s instruction.
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. Mark 16:15-16
Baptism is not for church membership, but an open declaration of our new stand in Christ. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put of Christ. Galatians 3:27
When you are baptized, you are openly declaring that you have by faith “put on Christ” so that men may see Christ in you.
We identify with the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ in baptism. The lowering of the convert completely under the water pictures Christ’s death; the submersion of the convert speaks of His burial and the raising
of the convert from the water signifies His resurrection.