For a number of years, the subject of baptism has been and continues to be a serious question among religious people. Baptism has been written on and debated over for many years. The religious world will remain divided over this question until the same source of authority is studied and accepted as the final voice in the matter.
What does the Bible say concerning the What, Who and Why of baptism? The English word “baptism” is not really a translation. It is a transliteration—that is, the English spelling of the original Greek word, which literally means, “immerse” (Thayer 94-95). There is no way that “sprinkle” or “pour” can be substituted for “immersion” or “immerse” in the New Testament. Try it in the following passages. (1) Colossians 2:12: baptism is a burial and a resurrection; sprinkle or pour will not fit, but immersion will! “Having been buried with him in immersion…” (2) Romans 6:4. (3) Acts 22:16. (4) Acts 8:36-39. Only immersion will fit. Baptism in the New Testament is an immersion, a burial.
Who should be baptized is such a popular question in the religious world because of infant baptism. Can anyone be baptized, or is it for believers only? What does the Bible say? (1) Matthew 28:19: people are to be taught. (2) Romans 10:17: only teaching makes believers. (3) Mark 16:16: only believers are to be baptized. (4) Acts 2:38; Luke 13:3, 5: men are to repent or perish. Who should be baptized? The Bible answers: the penitent believer and no one else.
Why be baptized? To many, baptism is akin to “church joining” and not to salvation. Why be baptized? What does the Bible teach? (1) Acts 2:38: for or unto the remission of sins. (2) 1 Peter 3:20-21: to have the answer of a good conscience toward God. (3) Galatians 3:27: to get into Christ. (4) Romans 6:3: to get into the death of Christ. (5) Colossians 2:12: to be raised with Christ. (6) Romans 6:4: to walk in newness of life. (7) Acts 22:16: to wash away sins. (8) Mark 16:16; 1 Peter 3:21: to be saved.
In summary, baptism (immersion) is for the penitent believer unto or for the remission of sins.
