In the Greek language it’s baptizo. Now, what does the word mean? If you look up the word “baptize” you’ll find that it is really just a common, ordinary word. It’s not really a religious word. It means to dip, to immerse, and to plunge. Look in any reputable Greek dictionary. They all say the same thing. If a ship sunk, it was baptized into the sea. If cloth was dyed, it was baptized into the dye. If a cucumber was turned into a pickle, it was baptized into spices and vinegar. Originally, there was no theological meaning. Everyone knew that the word simply meant to dip, to immerse, and to plunge. So, βαπτίζω (baptizo) does not mean “sprinkle” or “pour.” Think about the symbolism of baptism. Immersion symbolizes what saves us. When we go under the water and then are lifted up, the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus are clearly pictured. Jesus died, was buried, and rose again. That’s why we are saved, and baptism by immersion pictures it perfectly. Immersion also pictures our own death to sin and our own new life in Christ (Colossians 2:12; Romans 6:3-5). When you are “buried” in baptism, you are submerged backwards underwater for just a second and then you are brought back up, representing the resurrection. Water baptism by immersion is a beautiful worship experience. It reminds you that your sins have been cleansed because of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. It encourages you to daily die to self and to live the new life in Christ.