Naimoi, a good friend of mine, who lives in Bermuda did not consider
baptism to be merely an option . She attended a seventh-day institution
were they believe that by baptism we confess our faith in the death and
resurrection of Jesus Christ, and testify our death to sin and of our
purpose to walk in the newness of life. For more than a year she had
eagerly studied the Bible, and longed to become a Christian. One evening
she shared with her family the new information that she had learned, and
they were glad for her. The time came for Naimoi to be baptized in the
gravery waters. Peace filled her heart as she was baptized.
The English word baptize comes from the Greek verb bapizo, which implies
immersion, since it is derived from the verb bapto, meaning "to dip in or
under." Baptism is simply a symbol of Christ's death and resurrection. If
this was not so, baptism would have had no significance as a symbol of
Christ's passion "if the apostolic church had practiced a mode of baptism
other than immersion." Therefore "the strongest argument for baptism by
immersion is a theological one.
Baptism is virtually linked to salvation. Christ taught that "he who
believes and is baptized will be saved" (Mark 16:16). Even though baptism
is linked to salvation it does not guarantee salvation. It brings about a
newness of life, forgiveness of our sins, and our reception of the Holy
Spirit. I can remember my baptism like it was yesterday. I was all
excited, filled with joy and happiness. After coming from under the water,
I felt like a new person. I didn't feel isolated anymore, because I became
part of Christ' ...