The doctrine of Christian baptism is basic and very simple, being presented in only a few examples. The original Greek word was bautismo and was transliterated directly into English, always meaning ‘immersion.’
John the Baptist conducted baptisms in the Jordan river in Matthew chapter 3 to demonstrate the change of heart in repentance for sins. This lesson was essential for preparation for personal faith in the Savior for forgiveness and new life. Jesus himself was baptized by John in Matthew 3:13-17 ‘to fulfill all righteousness.’ Acts 8:26-39 records the baptism of an Ethiopian by the Apostle Philip in a lake, saying that afterwards ‘they came up out of the water.’ (See John 3:23, Acts 9:18, 10:47,48) 1 Peter 3:21 describes baptism as ‘an appeal to God for a good conscience through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.’ The crucified Savior was buried in a tomb underground, arose in new life, and came up from the earth. This experience is mirrored in the waters of baptism.
It is clear that salvation comes from repentance from sin and faith in the holy blood sacrifice of the Lamb of God and is followed by water baptism showing full commitment. Never is it taught as lending merit toward salvation, nor can it pertain to infants. To attempt by any church to administer any other form of baptism replacing this Biblical directive and to call it Christianity would be an obvious error and clearly a falsehood.
