"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you."
(Matthew 28:19) 
And he said unto them, "Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." (Mark 16:15-16)
According to Christ's words, baptism is not an option. After Peter's stirring message, conviction fell upon those who heard and they cried out...
"Men and brethren, what shall we do? 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 Spirit."
(Acts 2:37-38)
We notice in this statement that Peter said unto them, that REPENTANCE came before the continuing instruction to be baptized. Repentance cannot come without FAITH. Faith in Peter's message of the gospel brought salvation, forgiveness, remission of sins, baptism all in the name of Jesus Christ. These things are entwined and are inseparable.
What is the full meaning of Baptism? Baptism is an affirmation of that which was accomplished in our hearts when we were saved. In his epistles, Peter tells us that baptism is an answer of a good conscience toward God. "The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ."
(1 Peter 3:21)
How does that good conscience toward God come? It comes through a spiritual transformation or operation that is done by the Spirit of God.
How and when does this happen? It happens when a person genuinely repents and believes the gospel. It is more than a "profession" of Christianity and church joining, it is an actual experience of the operation of God in the heart of one who has genuinely believed.
In Colossians 2:12 we read..."Buried with him in baptism, wherein ye are risen with him through faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead."
"Baptizo" is the specific word used by Christ. Baptizo in the original Greek meant to "immerse." Jesus did not say "pouring them" or "sprinkling them," the term Jesus used was "baptizing them."
Why is this particular mode essential?This act of baptism by immersion is essential because it reflects the spiritual experience of the transformed life in Christ.
In Romans 6:3-7 we read..."Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptised into his death: that like as Christ was raised 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: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is dead is freed from sin."
God intended this ordinance of baptism to signify a death to our old sinful life and our resurrection in the new life in Christ. One cannot drown in sprinkling or pouring. Only as we are placed under the water can we be drowned or buried.
Traditional religions have used the expression "water regeneration" to convey the thought that the act of baptism brings salvation. Biblical Christianity does not convey this! If there has been NO Spiritual transaction between God and the person being baptized, the only thing that happens is that he or she goes into the water a dry sinner and comes out a wet sinner.
What does wash away sin? In Revelation 1:5 we read..."And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten from the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him who loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood."
Isn't that clear enough? It is "HE" that washes us from our sins in HIS OWN BLOOD. God has honored the sacrifice of His Son to create a new Spiritual birth for humanity. It is the "BLOOD" that God has accepted, not the water. This however, does not omit the act of baptism. Baptism is a necessary physical act of obedience. Jesus said, to do this to fulfill ALL righteousnes. Why? Because this act of baptism confirms our death to sin and our resurrection in newness of life.
In 1 Peter 1:18-19 we read..."Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as a lamb without blemish and without spot."
In Colossians we read..."In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins."
The scriptures cannot be "dissected" when it comes to understanding the spiritual links that God has given throughout His Word. True there are various scriptures that use a phraseology of "washing away sins." However! If they are read in full context, there is ALWAYS a confirmation of FIRST having the experience of regeneration by the Holy Spirit.
The physical act of being baptized confirms that our sins have been washed away by the BLOOD of Jesus. This is a "Blood Covenant" that Jehovah God has made with man. He did not make a "water covenant."
The scriptures present a public show of baptism. I am personally persuaded by the word of God through the examples given in the scriptures that Christian baptism should be performed in a public place. The unbelieving world takes notice of these actions. If baptism is done within the cloistered walls of the church, it losses much of its influence as a witness to the world. The act of Baptism also identifies the true God of the Bible and our faith in His Son Jesus Christ.The Buddhists, Hindus and other eastern cults carry out their actions openly to identify their gods. We have viewed them via television as they have fallen prostrate on the ground and given homage to their gods. They are surely not ashamed of their public show of their religion. Their wearing apparel also identifies their particular religion.
The Jewish people sit unashamedly in front of the whaling wall for hours praying their prayers. Many varied sects even professing Christianity also identify their religious persuasion by their wearing apparel. Menonites wear the dress of yesteryear and traditional head coverings.
The acts of the Roman Catholics declare what they worship as they bow down to their Pope and give homage to him. The Virgin Mary is exalted as the so-called "Mother of God" as they bow down to a stone statue. The attire of their priests and prelates identify their religion as Roman Catholic.
How much more TRUE Christians should walk in righteousness and obey Christ's Biblical ordinances as a witness! These ordinaces of Christ serve to identify the true and Living God of the Bible. Surely Christians ought to fulfill all righteousness in observing these three chosen ordinances of Christ. We herald Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords in obedience to these outward observances He has ordained. Amen?
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