Immersion can be a confusing teaching. I want to help you understand it by using scriptures to help you make your own decision.

First before we jump into why baptism should be done by immersion, let’s discuss who should be baptized.

A person believes on the Lord Jesus Christ (saved by grace) – then they should be baptized.

Acts 2:41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.

Acts 8:37 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. [37] 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.

Why should be baptism be done by immersion?

Baptism is a picture of what Christ did for us on the cross, His death, burial, and resurrection. As Christians we are showing that we want to be identified with Christ and want to follow His example.

Let’s look closer to baptism in the Bible…

Colossians 2:12 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.

Romans 6:4 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.

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

What action best pictures burial or planting – immersion or sprinkling?  

Matthew 3:6 tells us that John baptized in the Jordan River.

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.

Why would much water be needed – immersion or sprinkling?

Another instance of baptism: Mark 1:10 And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:

Why would they need to come up out of the water – immersion or sprinkling?

When you think of baptism by immersion think of what Christ did on the cross.

Christ’s death: The Believer being submerged under the water

Christ’s burial: The Believer under the water

Christ’s resurrection: The Believer coming up out of the water

This glorious picture is to remind us of what Christ did on the cross and is the first step for a Christian as they begin their journey as a follower of Christ.

Have you been baptized?