Understanding baptism

 by David Long

The word "baptism" or "baptized" comes from a Greek word which means "to immerse or submerge." New Testament baptism is not a sprinkling or pouring. When people were baptized in the New Testament they were immersed. People today who have been sprinkled or had water poured them have not been baptized scripturally. When Phillip took the eunuch down into the water "he immersed him" (Acts 8:38).

Why be immersed in water? 

1. To be saved (Mk. 16:16).

2. To have forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38).

3. To have our sins washed away (Acts 22:16).

4. To put Christ on (Gal. 3:27; Col. 2:12).

5. To walk in newness of life (Rom. 6:3-4).

6. To be added to the church of Christ (Acts 2:41, 47; 1 Cor. 12:13).