One of the most misunderstood topics in Christendom is the topic of baptism. I don’t know why, since the Bible has many clear scriptures on the subject. So I feel compelled to write some articles about it.

We start by asking: HOW should a person be baptized: by sprinkling, pouring or immersion?

In Romans Paul writes, “3 Have you forgotten that when we were joined with Christ Jesus in baptism, we joined him in his death? 4 For we died and were BURIED with Christ by baptism. And just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glorious power of the Father, now we also may live new lives” – Romans 6:3-4 (NLT).

In vs. 4, Paul describes baptism as a burial. He says that when we’re baptized we are BURIED with Christ. Let’s ask the question: Out of the three ways churches baptize, which one fits the idea of a burial? Can sprinkling be a burial? Answer: No. When you sprinkle water on someone, only the top of their head gets wet, and maybe a little of their face or neck. Sprinkling does not constitute a burial. So sprinkling can’t be what Paul had in mind for baptism.

Can pouring be a burial? Answer: No. When you pour water over somebody they get a little on their head and shoulders or maybe a splattering on their legs, but it is not a burial by any means. So pouring cannot be what Paul had in mind for baptism.

Can immersion be a burial? Answer: Yes! In fact, to immerse someone totally under water is to bury them. So, even without being a Bible scholar, a simple process of elimination shows us that only immersion can constitute a burial. So this must have been what Paul had in mind for the way to baptize people.

He indicates this again in Colossians 2:12 where he says, “For you were BURIED WITH Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead” – Colossians 2:12 (NLT).

Again, Paul indicates clearly that baptism is a complete burial in water. But he indicates an even more important, deeper reason to baptize by immersion. He compares baptism to the death, burial and resurrection (DBR) of Christ. You see, in immersion, we picture the three saving acts of Jesus in our behalf – the DBR. We also tell anyone who is watching that we are dying to our old life, burying it and rising to walk in a new life in Christ.

So baptism isn’t just a matter of semantics or personal preference. It’s a matter of salvation doctrine. And that’s why it becomes critical to BURY people in baptismal waters – not only to obey God, but to send a message to the world about what we believe concerning salvation (that Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection saves us).

So I leave with a question: Are we going to baptize or be baptized the way GOD says in the Bible (for some very good reasons)? Or, are we going to follow the traditions of men who ignore God’s Word and say it’s fine to sprinkle or pour?

Personally, I’m going to follow the Bible and do it God’s way. I hope you do too.