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 three to demonstrate the change of heart in repentance for sins. Jesus himself was baptized by John in Mathew 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) 1 Peter 3:21 describes baptism as ‘a call for a clear conscience’ and Romans 6:3-8 and Colossians 2:12 explain the significance regarding the immersion. The crucified Savior was buried in a tomb under the earth, rose up in new life, and came up from the ground. 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. Never is it taught as lending merit toward salvation, nor can it pertain to infants. To attempt to administer any other form of baptism replacing this Biblical directive and call it Christianity would be an obvious error and clearly a falsehood. This is what sets Christian baptism apart from other religions.