The Greek word for “baptize,” baptizó, literally means “to dip, immerse or submerge.” Baptism is an observance that publicly identifies one as a follower of Christ—a Christian. This is one of the final instructions of our Lord. Jesus told His disciples: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). When people responded to the gospel, baptism was the public response and was usually immediate (see Acts 2:38–41; 8:12, 10:47-48). 

In the New Testament, Baptism symbolizes resurrection and washing. The symbol doesn’t accomplish new life or spiritual cleansing, but it is an outward demonstration of the inward reality. When a person is placed under the water and then brought out again, it represents dying to the old self and being resurrected with Christ. Baptism is the public confession of identification with Christ death and resurrection. (Romans 6:3-4) 

Based on the definition of baptizó, the word in the New Testament implies immersion as the mode of baptism. We believe that immersion, not sprinkling, is the most biblical way of baptism. While in some denominations, sprinkling with water may be a symbol for washing, it is hardly a visible representation of resurrection. Since baptism represents a reality in the life of the one being baptized, only believers are proper candidates for baptism.