Baptism: Which Method is Correct?
“Then those who gladly received his word were baptized.” Acts 2:41
The Greek term for baptism is baptizo. It has various meanings; it can mean to dip, wash, immerse (not go fully underwater), or saturate in water. Evangelicals tend to agree with the latter. The idea is one confesses their faith, goes underwater, and emerges as a “new creation.” The old way of life is gone, and one now sees everything through the lens of Jesus Christ.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Cor 5:17)
Baptism by full submersion, called the “believer’s baptism” or credobaptism, is based on Matthew 28.
“Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Mt 28:19)
In Matthew 28, Jesus speaks to the twelve disciples after His resurrection and instructs them on their next steps to establish the early church. He gives His instruction in a specific order — first, make disciples, then baptize them in the Trinitarian name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
