What is scriptural baptism?

I. The Meaning of Baptism
Baptism means OBEDIENCE to the command of Christ.

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. --Mark 16:16

The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ: -- 1 Peter 3:21

And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. --John 1:9

nd Jesus answering said unto him, Suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness. Then he suffered him. --Matthew 3:15

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: --I Peter 2:21

And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. --Matthew 3:17

Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 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: -- Romans 6:3-5

For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. --I Corinthians 12:13

For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, --Romans 6:5a

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. --Romans 6:4a

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. --Romans 6:4b

For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. --I Corinthians 12:13

And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: --Matthew 3:16

And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. --Acts 8:38-39

Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? 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: --Romans 6:3-5

And John also was baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there: and they came, and were baptized. --John 3:23

The above Scripture references all support and promote the Bible doctrine of baptism by immersion. Baptism by immersion pictures the believer’s death and being buried with Christ to the old life of sin, and resurrection to live for God as a new creature in Christ, old things being passed away, all things becoming new.

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. --II Corinthians 5:17

The INDIVIDUALS of Baptism by immersion according to the Bible are those who have heard the gospel and believed it.

He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. --Mark 16:16

nd immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. --Acts 9:18

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. --Acts 2:38

Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? --Acts 10:47

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. --Matthew 28:19-20

Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. --Luke 3:8

Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance: --Matthew 3:8

In the scriptures it is taught that scriptural baptism is to be administered only to those who have made a profession of faith in Christ, being old enough and mature enough to understand the plan of salvation, and the biblical conditions of baptism. No child in the state of infancy is conscience of their sinfulness or need of salvation, and since baptism is only for those who have believed the gospel, it is unscriptural to baptize infants who are not yet old enough to repent and believe.

III. The MINISTRATION of Baptism.
The Ministration of Baptism should be done under the authority of the Local, New Testament Church, whose doctrines and practices are in line with what the Scriptures teach. The Ministration of Baptism should be performed by one or more qualified representatives of the Church. Phillip (Acts 8) Ananias (Acts 9) Peter (Acts 10) Paul and Silas (Acts 16) The Bible teaches that for believers Baptism is the door into the membership of the local Church.

hen they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. --Acts 2:41

For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. --I Corinthians12:13

Conclusion:
Baptism is a controversial subject, but it does not have be. The only reason people are confused about Baptism and many other Bible doctrines today is because of a lack of Bible knowledge. The Bible says God is not the author of confusion but of peace as in all churches of the saints.

For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. --I Corinthians 14:33