Dr. Merrill Tenney, the editor of the Zondervan Encyclopedia of the Bible states, "Baptism as a rite of immersion was not begun by Christians but was taken by them from Jewish and pagan forms...."
The Jewish rite of Baptism was practiced by having the adult remove their clothing until they were totally naked, enter the water, and then immerse themselves by squatting down, with arms out stretched, until the water totally covered their body. Care was taken that every square inch of the body came into contact with the water and that nothing else, clothing or another person's hand, defiled this contact with the water. This is the form of Baptism that Jesus and the early church would have practiced. This is the form of baptism commanded by Jesus.
Why we practice Baptism
There are a lot of opinions regarding why we practice Baptism. Here is what the Bible says:
1. Jesus said that we cannot enter the Kingdom of heaven unless we are born of the Spirit and of water, John 3:1-3;
2. Jesus said that we must believe and be Baptized if we are to be saved, Mark 16:15-16;
3. Jesus commanded that people be Baptized, Matthew 28:18-20;
4. Baptism is a public proclamation of our new relationship with Christ, Romans 6:4, Colossians 2:12;
5. It is for the remission of our sins, Acts 2:38; and
6. Baptism is part of the salvation process, 1 Peter 3:21.
Conclusion
There is nothing contained above that is not factual. But, you will have to form your own opinions relative to these Bible facts. Remember, our opinions are actually worthless; they are generally only profitable to ourselves and to those who share our opinion. There is one vital criterion, however, in coming to an opinion we must totally rely on the truth in God's Word-the Bible. It is only through unbiased, un-opinionated study, prayer and meditation that we can ever generate profitable opinions.
It is the mental gymnastics of arrogant men that turn opinions into church doctrine!
Baptism is necessary because we love Jesus and He told us to be baptised ... what is there to argue about?