What is baptism?
The word "baptism" comes from the new Testament (Greek) word baptiso meaning to "dip" or "immerse" in water. Sprinkling, pouring, or other methods are never mentioned in the New Testament as a proper form of baptism. The scripture itself teaches that baptism by immersion in water is the only method which properly symbolizes the death, burial and resurrection of Christ (Colossians 2:12 - "Buried with Him in baptism...")
1. A public profession of your salvation: Baptism is an OUTWARD expression of an INWARD experience.
2. The first step of obedience after salvation: Baptism is essential, not to salvation, but to OBEDIENCE.
Baptism is your spiritual wedding band showing other people that you are united with Christ. If you don't wear your wedding band, it doesn't mean that you aren't married. But when you wear your band it lets everyone know that you are committed to someone. You are saved without baptism, but you are not fully obedient until you are baptized.
When should I be baptized?
Since baptism is an act of obedience to Christ, we should follow the Lord in baptism as soon as possible after our conversion to Christ (Acts 2:41; Acts 8:12).
In the case of the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:26), the Philippian jailer (Acts 16:33), and the new believers on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:41), all were baptized IMMEDIATELY AFTER they received the gift of eternal life.
