Teachings
Baptism
The word "baptize" comes from the Greek "baptizo" and can mean "to place into." It is used to describe something or someone placed into a new environment or union, consequently changing its relationship with the old environment.
Water baptism is a Christian practice symboliziing the cleansing from sin and identification with Jesus. Sprinkling, pouring, and immersion are three methods of baptizing today. Most born again believers feel that immersion best reflects our cleansing from sin, dying to self and new life in Christ. That Greek word "baptizo" also seems to support immersion as well, for it also means "to dunk, dip, plunge, submerge or immerse." Jesus set the example as he began his ministry by being baptized by John. You can read it about it in Matthew 3:13-17.
Who should be baptized?
Anyone who has asked Jesus to forgive them of their sins, repented (turned away) from those sins and asked him to be their Savior and Lord should be baptized. Their are several examples of baptism immediately following conversion in the Bible. The Ethiopian treasurer was baptized by Philip at the first sign of water that he came to, following his conversion. (Acts 8:26-40) In Acts 2:38-41 we find that following Peter's preaching, "Those who accepted his message were baptized, and and about three thousand were added to their number that day." (italics mine) There are many other examples of baptism immediately following conversion in the Word.
Why should I be baptized?
Jesus set the example by being baptized himself, and we have talked about other examples above. Peter preached, "Repent and be baptized. . . " If we truly desire to follow Jesus we want to be obedient to his commands. Baptism is an act of obedience that should soon follow our conversion. It is also a public confession of our identification with him. Romans 10:9-10 says, ". . .if you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and you believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved."
If I have accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord but have not been baptized, does that mean that I am not saved?
No. The thief on the cross turned to Jesus just before he died. Christ said to him. "Today you will be with me in paradise." (Luke 23:43) There was no way or time for him to be baptized, yet Jesus confirmed his salvation. Some sects teach that the ordinaance of baptism is necessary for salvation, but Scripture, as you can see, indicates otherwise. It is simply an act of obedience in which we physically identify with Christ's death, burial and resurrection. It is a sign of commitment to a new Master.