Baptism is an essential part of the salvation process. Our sins are forgiven and we become followers of Christ when we are baptized.
Baptism is performed by totally immersing a person in water who wishes to become a follower of Christ. The water itself has no special power. The act of baptism is not a work of merit which earns salvation. It is God who saves through the blood of Jesus Christ. Nevertheless, God has made baptism the point at which a penitent believer is saved.
Who May Baptize?
Scripture does not restrict the right to baptize to any particular group. Therefore any follower of Christ may baptize someone else into Christ.
Where To Baptize
Baptism may be performed wherever there is enough water to totally immerse. It does not matter whether the water is flowing or not. It may be done in a stream or river, a lake or the ocean, a pool or even a watering trough. As long as there is enough water to cover a person entirely, the place does not matter. It does not have to be in any special place, such as a church building. It may be done even in the privacy or your home.
How To Baptize:
There are many ways to immerse someone. The particular method does not matter, but we suggest the following:
Both the one who is being baptized and the one doing the baptizing enter the water. If you are in flowing water it is important to face up-stream so that the feet of the one being baptized do not float up when he or she is laid down in the water. Similarly, if you are in a tank or pool, it is best to stand close to a wall for the same reason.
While standing in the water, the one doing the baptizing should say:
“Since you have confessed that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God, and since you have repented of your sins and expressed the desire to follow Jesus, I now baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
Have the one being baptized hold his nose to prevent water from entering when he is immersed. Firmly grasp his hands and the back of his neck. Tell him to relax.
Then gently lower him backwards into the water. As you do, say:
“You are buried with Christ into death…”
Then, push the person completely under the water. After he is completely covered with water, pull him back up.
As you pull him up, say:
“…to rise to walk in a new life.”