18.1 What is baptism?
ANSWER:
Baptism means "dipping". It involves the complete immersion of a person in water. See Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-10; John 3:23; Acts 8:36-39.

18.2 What does baptism mean?
ANSWER:
It means several things:
(a) It reminds us that Jesus was buried and rose again, and thus it shows us that we can be saved through his death and resurrection. See Romans 6:3-4.
(b) It reminds us that because we are sinners, we deserve to die (if we were kept under the water we should certainly die!). See Romans 6:5-7.
(c) It reminds us that because God is merciful, He wants to save us from death by resurrection. Baptism is therefore a sort of "death" - a "burial" in water - and a sort of "resurrection". It is an acted parable. See Colossians 2:12-13.
(d) It reminds us that, just as water washes away dirt, so God puts away the sins of those who obey Him. When we are baptised, God forgives us all the sins we have ever committed. Thus we make a fresh start as disciples of Jesus Christ. See 1 Peter 3:21; Acts 22:16.
(e) It is the token by which we become children of God and members of the seed of Abraham in Christ Jesus through the everlasting covenant. See Galatians 3: 26-29.

18.3 MUST we be baptised?
ANSWER:
Yes. The Lord Jesus was baptised. Paul was baptised. Converts in the early church were baptised, as commanded by the Lord Jesus. Baptism is an act of obedience. We must be baptised because God commands us to be baptised. See Matthew 3:13-17; Acts 2:3741; Acts 22: 13-16; Galatians 3:27-29; 1 Peter 3:21.

18.4 Can we be baptised before we have understood the gospel?
ANSWER:
No. We must first understand the gospel, then believe it; then, as soon as possible, be baptised. See Mark 16:16; Acts 8:12.

18.5 Does the Bible speak of babies being baptised?
ANSWER: No, never. Babies are not able to believe; therefore they cannot properly be baptised. See Acts 8:12, and note the words, "when they believed", and "both men and women".

18.6 Is it right to baptise by sprinkling or pouring water on a person?
ANSWER:
No. The Lord Jesus and his disciples were dipped right under the water, and so should we be. See Matthew 3: 16; Acts 8:38-39.