To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. This English word has been taken directly from the Greek word 'baptizo' which means to dip, plunge, or completely immerse in liquid. It is used in Greek in the art of dyeing. In order to dye material, it has to be completely dipped into the dye, so that the material is wholly changed in colour. The use of this word throughout the New Testament makes it clear that sprinkling or pouring water is not sufficient.
Scriptural baptism requires a complete immersion in water.
If we read the New Testament carefully we shall find that baptism has a four-fold significance. As we are completely covered by water in the act of baptism, we symbolically die, and as we rise from the water, we symbolically rise to a newness of life. In this we associate ourselves with the death and resurrection of Jesus. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection. In baptism we undergo a figurative resurrection to newness of life, a change of outlook which is an essential part of our obedience to God.