And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized. John 3:23 KJV
Water baptism should be by immersion in water. The term ”Baptism” originates from the Greek word ”Bapto,” which literally means to dip, to plunge under, or to immerse. In John 3:23, it says: “There was much water there.” When John the Baptist was baptizing, there needed to be much water for immersion.
And he ordered that the chariot be stopped; and both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and [Philip] baptized him. And when they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord [suddenly] caught away Philip; and the eunuch saw him no more, and he went on his way rejoicing.
Acts 8:38-39 KJV
From the Bible, we see multiple examples of baptism, such as the Ethiopian eunuch being baptized by Philip.
And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: Mark 1:9-11 KJV
Jesus is our perfect example! In the same way that Jesus was baptized, so should we be baptized as well. Jesus’ ministry started after He was baptized.
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Matthew 28:19 KJV
Seeing Jesus be baptized is not the only reason for us to be baptized. Most importantly, baptism is a command from the Lord Jesus Himself. Baptism should be an act of obedience that follows after we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord.
Water baptism is a testimony to the world of what Jesus has done in your life. God has delivered you from the power of darkness and has translated you into the kingdom of His dear Son. Now, Jesus rules and reigns in your life.
Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Romans 6:3-5 KJV
Romans 6:3-5 states that being baptized into Christ Jesus means being baptized into His death, being buried with Him through baptism into death, and walking in newness of life, just as Christ was raised from the dead.
And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” Acts 8:36-37 KJV
Acts 8:36-37 recounts how the Ethiopian eunuch asked, “What doth hinder me from being baptized?” All we need for baptism is to first believe with all our heart that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and receive Him into our life.
Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin. Romans 6:6-7 KJV
Baptism is an experience of burying the ”old, sinful man.” Romans 6:6-7 explains that our old self was crucified with Him, so the body of sin might be done away with, freeing us from being slaves to sin.
Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it. Colossians 2:14-15 KJV
As much as water baptism proclaims Jesus’ victory over sin and darkness, it is also a testimony to Satan’s defeat. Colossians 2:14-15 speaks of canceling the written code of regulations that was against us and disarming rulers and authorities, triumphing over them through the cross.
Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. Matthew 10:32-33 KJV
Water baptism is a public acknowledgment of repentance and faith in Christ. Matthew 10:32-33 states that whoever acknowledges Christ before others will be acknowledged before the Father in heaven.
But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the counsel of God against themselves, being not baptized of him. Luke 7:30 KJV
Baptism shows a willingness to accept God’s purpose for our lives. In Luke 7:30 we see how the Pharisees and experts in the law rejected God’s purpose for themselves.
And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway. And when he had brought them into his house, he set meat before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.
Acts 16:33-34 KJV
Baptism is a cause for rejoicing in God. Acts 16:33-34 describes the jailer and his household being baptized and filled with joy after they believed in God.
Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like 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 KJV
Baptism enables us to walk in the newness of life. Romans 6:4 explains that we are buried with Him through baptism into death so that we may live a new life just as Christ was raised from the dead. The old you was buried and left in the grave of the water, and you can start to walk in the newness of life.