Studying the Bible -- What is Baptism?

Baptism, literally means "immersion." Some religious groups use baptism to describe pouring or sprinkling water on an individual but the original Greek word only meant to immerse. If we did not have Greek resources for determining the original meaning the Bible text itself would show that immersion is meant.
John the Baptist taught near Salim because there was much water there (John 3:23). Much water is needed for immersion, not sprinkling or pouring water on individuals. When he baptized Jesus, Jesus came out of the water (Matthew 3:16).

The Ethiopian Eunuch wanted to be baptized when, on his journey, he came to a body of water. As he was a rich man and travelling through the desert, one could be assured that he would have had drinking water for the journey, but he needed to be immersed. Also, when they came to the water he and Philip went into the water where Philip baptized him, then they both came out of the water. (Acts 8:36-39)

Finally, baptism is compared to a burial. When we are baptized we are buried in water but in a symbolic sense we are buried with Christ (Romans 6:3-5). We are baptized in order to have salvation (Acts 22:16, Mark 16:16) not baptized because we have already been saved. You do not bury a living person but a dead person. It is illogical to think that baptism-burying the dead-comes after salvation. It is unbiblical to say that it is not necessary.


References (King James version):

John 3:23     "And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized."

Matthew 3:16 "And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him."

Acts 8:36-39     "And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing."

Romans 6:3-5     "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. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection."

Acts 22:16     "And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord."

Mark 16:16     "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned."