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BAPTISMJesus never baptized anyone. But He was baptized Himself (Matthew 3:13-17) and He did command His disciples to baptize (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:16).
Baptism symbolizes
—union with Christ in His death, burial and resurrection (Romans 6:4-6)
—the washing away of our sin (Acts 22:16).Christians differ on the question of baptism
Some Christians believe that the infant children of believers are eligible. They hold that the covenant God made with Abraham was a spiritual covenant, and that circumcision was the sign and seal of this. Infants shared in the benefits of the covenant and so received the sign and seal.
Therefore, they believe, the children of believers should be baptized. See Colossians 2:11,12. This baptism is usually administered by sprinkling water on the infant.
'In the new dispensation baptism is by divine authority substituted for circumcision as the initiatory sign and seal of the covenant of grace.' BerkhofOther Christians believe that baptism must follow conversion because in the New Testament it always followed conversion (Acts 8:36-38; 9:17,18; 16:31-33), and was administered only to those who had repented of their sin and come to trust and believe in Christ (Acts 2:37-41).
This baptism is therefore known as 'believers' baptism'. It is usually administered by immersion in water, in the belief that this alone fulfils the symbolism of baptism, and that the word baptize means to dip or immerse.Baptism is not essential to salvation. But because Christ commands it, it is essential to obedience.
This is not the place to argue the differences. There are many books you can read on the subject, but, more importantly, consult your pastor, or the elders/deacons of your church.