Various answers are given to the above question, depending on the religious background of those asked. Scholars say that the Greek word baptizo means, "to dip, plunge, immerse, overwhelm, or dunk." But many do not like what the scholars say, so I’ll try to answer this question in another way.

The New Testament clearly defines what baptism is and the divine purpose it serves. In John 3:23, John the Baptist, "was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there." Note that baptism requires "much water." How much? So much that John could not conveniently carry it with him. John was limited in where he could baptize by the quantity of water required. If sprinkling or pouring water on an individual defines baptism, John could have baptized virtually anywhere.

Acts 8:26-40 records the baptism of the Ethiopian. Luke writes, "And they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him." After the baptism took place, "they came up out of the water." Note carefully the action involved in the baptism of this man.

Conclusive information about the act of baptism is found in Romans 6:4-5. "Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection." According to Paul, baptism is a "burial," and is typical of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. This explains why John the Baptist needed "much water" (i.e., enough for a "burial"). It also shows why Philip and the Ethiopian both went down into the water; it was essential to executing a "burial."

That baptism is commanded by God of those who hear and believe the gospel is clear (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; Acts 10:48; Acts 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21). It is required by God because man is a sinner (Romans 3:23) and baptism is, "for the remission of sins" (Acts 2:38). Saul of Tarsus was told, "And now why tarriest thou? Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord" (Acts 22:16). Jesus declared, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved" (Mark 16:16). The apostle Peter affirmed, "Baptism doth also now save us" (1 Peter 3:21).

May God help us to have faith in His word along with the courage to obey it. God lovingly extends His grace and mercy to those who obey Him, "Though He were a Son, yet learned the obedience by the things which He suffered; and being made perfect, He became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him" (Hebrews 5:8-9).