Baptism is the first command for a new Christian.
And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days. (Heb. 10:48)
What is Baptism?
The word Baptism comes from the Greek word Baptizo and means to dip or immerse. It does not mean to be sprinkled. Examples of baptism can be found in 2 Kings 5:14, Mt. 3:13-17, and Acts 10:48.
Although often associated with the Baptist church it is a Biblical command, both the command and the method. Baptism is one of the ordinances of the church (the other being the Lord’s Supper or Communion). Baptism pictures the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ and the new life of a believer.
The act of baptizing is usually done by a pastor or associate pastor. But I know of no Bible verse that insists on that. Since all Christians have access to the throne and thereby priests, it is the normal practice of those in the ministry.
