The English words “baptize” and “baptism” found in the Bible are not a translated words as one might expect; instead they are transliterated words, which means the translators chose to simply carry over the Greek spelling of the word “baptizmo” rather than translate its actual meaning. The word “baptism” actually means to “immerse.”  It is used in classical literature of a sinking ship. It is defined in Romans 6:3-4 of the Bible as a burial.  The King James version of the Bible reads:  “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.” Therefore, it is clear that baptism authorized in the New Testament is by immersion and immersion means to be fully covered as one is when he is laid to rest in a burial ground.

But what does baptism do?  Let’s look at the following references:

Baptized into His Death (Romans 6:3-4)

Makes us free from sin (Romans 6:15-18)

Remits our Sin (Acts 2:38)

Washes away our sin (Acts 22:16)

Puts us into Christ (Galatians 3:27-28)

Makes us a new creature (2 Corinthians 5:17)

Saves us from our past sin (Mark 16:16)

Makes us a candidate for addition to the Church by the Lord (Acts 2:47)

Saves us (2 Peter 3:21)

From the above it is clear how essential the act of baptism is for our salvation.  Jesus in the great commission, prior to His ascension, commanded His disciples to teach, baptize and teach. Mathew 28: 18-20 reads: “Then Jesus came and spake unto them saying. All power has been given unto me in heaven and in earth.  Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo I am with you always even unto the end of the world.” There we have the command by our Lord.  In the Book of Acts, the Apostles put this command into action and converted many people to Christ. Consider the following conversions:

The three thousand heard, believed, repented and were baptized (Acts 2:14-28).

The Samaritans heard, believed, and were baptized (Acts 8:1-12).

The Ethiopian Eunuch heard, believed, confessed, and were baptized (Acts 8:26-40).

Saul of Tarsus (Paul)  heard, believed, repented, confessed, and was baptized (Acts 22:12-16).

Cornelius heard, believed and was baptized (Acts 10:34-48).

Lydia heard, believed and was baptized (Acts 16:11-15).

The Philippian Jailor heard, believed and was baptized (Acts 16:16-34).

Crispus heard, believed and was baptized (Acts 18:8).

From these examples the steps to salvation are made clear.  Is there any doubt how Jesus wanted His command to be carried out?

Some today want to sprinkle unbelieving babies, others claim that sins are taken away at the point of belief, and others claim that baptism is not necessary at all for salvation of ones Soul.  How can these doctrines be true in view of the New Testament teachings of Christ?  The answer is they cannot be true.

Baptism is essential for our salvation. Teach, baptize and teach translates to us as learn, be baptized and continue learning.  Don’t put it off.  Do it today.