The Greek word for “baptism” is “βαπτιζω”. The English letters look like this: “baptidzo.” The Greek word “baptidzo” literally means to “dip” or to “immerse”. Therefore, baptism can be defined as the act in which a Christian is immersed in water to symbolize the end of the old manner of living and a beginning of new life. Baptism can also be described as visible testimony of our commitment to Christ. This is the beginning of discipleship.

Baptism was first mentioned in Matthew 3:11;
“[11]I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire.”

In those days, John the Baptist would baptize people for the remission of sins and for repentance but after the establishment of the new Covenant due to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, baptism is now a Covenant to live as a disciple of Jesus. We don’t baptize people in order for their sins to be cleansed. Your sins are cleansed as you give your life to Christ but baptism is just the display of the acceptance of a new life in Christ Jesus.

WHO IS TO BE BAPTIZED?
The person who is expected to be baptized is someone who has given his/her life to Christ. You don’t get immersed in water before you accept Christ, rather you accept Christ as your Lord and saviour before you get baptized.

Acts 2:38
[38]Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Peter expected them to repent first before they get baptized. That’s how baptism is to be done. Whoever is not saved should not to be baptized. Philip baptized the Ethiopian eunuch after he had received the gospel(Acts 8:35-39).

WHO IS TO BAPTIZE/IMMERSE BELIEVERS IN WATER?

Anybody that is saved and has been properly nurtured up in God’s Word can baptize a person who has just given his life to Jesus Christ. If you preach to someone and he has accepted Christ, you can baptize the person if he or she is ready. You do not necessarily need to be a Prophet, Bishop, Pastor or an Evangelist. Jesus said to believers concerning the great commission in Matthew 28:19 that; Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. This verse applies to all believers not to pastors alone.

SIGNIFICANCE OF BAPTISM

• Acceptance of our transition from death to life

Colossians 2:12
[12]Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.

When you get baptized you have just died and risen with Christ and you are now dead to your old self.



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