What does the Bible say about Baptism?

Introduction:
   In the Bible, baptism is first introduced in Matthew 3:2-12 when John the Baptist began his ministry as the forerunner of Jesus Christ. John preached a simple message to the Jews that they were to repent of their sins in preparation for the coming of the Kingdom, which meant the appearance of the Messiah. Matthew 3:13-17 records that Jesus came down to the Jordan River and was baptized by John.
          The Gospel of John records John the Baptist's proclamation of Jesus as the Messiah:

           "The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me. And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water. And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God." (John 1:29-34)
          John's baptism was a baptism of repentance for Jews. It was clear that the word "baptizo" means that John immersed those he baptized in water. In Matthew 3:16 the New Testament records, "And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him." The description is clear that John and Jesus were in the River Jordan and when as John lifted Jesus up from being immersed, the Holy Spirit descended on Him.
          Prior to Jesus' ascension back into heaven He gave the command to His disciples to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This instituted believer's or Christian baptism. The disciples and those who followed them in preaching the Gospel were thus commanded to teach or disciple people of all nations and to baptize them.
           Believer's baptism is taught in the New Testament as being a symbol or a picture of what has happened in the life of the person who by faith has believed in Jesus Christ and been saved by His grace. It is an illustration of what that has taken place in the new believer's heart which cannot be outwardly observed when a person is saved. Baptism is further a testimony by which the new Christian gives public testimony that they have believed in Jesus Christ and have been born again. Through baptism the new convert is joining, identifying themselves as Christians, and becoming a member of a local New Testament church. There are several aspects of baptism:



BAPTISM IS A "PICTURE" OF THE GOSPEL THAT PICTURES
THE DEATH, BURIAL AND RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST.
   

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