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Well the Bible describes two baptisms, one is a born again baptism, the other, which is more commonly talked about here is water baptism.

But to put it simply—once a person has become a Christian, water baptism is a public declaration of faith.

Why do it?

Well firstly, because Jesus instructed us to do so. 

Secondly, it works as an accountability to your commitment. Baptisms are often public, church affairs. Not only do they encourage other believers, but they tend to be like a welcome party into church family. Many become Christian in quiet circumstances. 

So baptisms are twofold: encouraging and welcoming

Don’t some believe in baby baptism?

Yes, so many Catholics and other denominations do perform baby baptism. 

Why don’t we perform baby baptisms on everyone?

Well, it’s controversial only because what I say treads on other Christians toes. 

There doesn’t seem to be any mention of inference to baby baptism in the Bible. When Cornelius’ family is baptised how are we to know the age of the youngest? 

Baptism also seems to be a conscious commitment. John the Baptist calls people to change their ways and be baptised. They had to make a decision and come to a place of baptism. Jesus follows this method of baptism of changing ways. Babies obviously aren’t contemplating their faith 2 months out of the womb. 

So the Bible doesn’t talk about baby baptism and we only hear of people making conscious decisions being when baptised. 

So what happens to babies if they die and are not baptised?

Jesus seems to hold a special place for children and makes references of their value as like people in the kingdom of God (Their innocence). King David also when he looses a child talks confidently about seeing their new born again in heaven one day. 

So when is someone accountable?

That’s a case by case basis. Different people at different ages grasp the truth of Christ. God knows when everyone is able. Some may not be able to understand it till twelve, for others, perhaps eight. God won’t let anyone be hard done by.

Is baptism necessary for salvation?

Well the guy next to Jesus on the cross didn’t really have time and he wasn’t going to get down from the cross—The Romans wouldn’t make such exemptions. But generally Jesus commanded it of us as he does other things. It is part of the Christian life like the bread and the wine—Lord’s supper. 

Don’t you think it’s a bit ritualistic?

It is with one respect and it serves as a giant metaphor. It is often said that going down into the water symbolises dying with Christ to our messy lives and as we rise from the water a new life begins with a Jesus focus. Like when a person is born again (spiritual baptism) your life changes when you start following Jesus. 

So yeah it’s kind of ritualistic form outsider perspectives but it’s incredibly harmless (it’s water) even the last supper is bread and wine (though often grape juice). It’s a bath and a meal, two things we’re regularly familiar with. Baths wash us and food and drink sustain us. 

Where does water baptism originate?

Well John the Baptist was preparing people with a baptism of repentance and that’s the first mention of washing. Jewish culture at the time had lots of ritual bathing routines and were profoundly trying not to be “unclean”. Water baptism became more than just a washing routine but a symbol of the washing of the mind also.

Does baptism hold value afterwards?

Yes, for the believer it is a great moment to reflect on, as is the day you became a Christian. Especially in those days where you just seem to be doing everything anti-Godlike in your life. There’s nothing wrong with reminding you “I’m part of God’s family, what a wonderful day that was, let me remember the faithful life I treasure”.

Do you have to be fully immersed in baptism?

Well the Bible seems to talk about people going down into the water (Book of Acts) and being baptised. I mean, did they pour water over the head? Or did they submerge and come up again?  This one’s up for debate as to the mode of baptism. There’s no reason to disqualify either.

What about those with disabilities impairing them to be baptised how you suggest?

Well, we had a chap in his 30’s at our church baptised with water, but we used a jug of water simply because it would be too dangerous to immerse. The person still desired to be baptised regardless, the church were obviously careful and didn’t take any dangerous risks (health and safety still apply here!)