There are three types of baptism mentioned in the scriptures.

 

Judaism

Converts were immersed up their necks in a pool of water called a mikvah and read the Law (Word of God; Holy Scriptures). Afterwards they were plunged beneath the water as a sign of being cleansed from the defilement of heathenism and the beginning of a new life as a member of God's covenant people.

(Exodus 19:10-14; Leviticus 8:6; Mark 7:3-4; Hebrews 9:10)

 

John's Baptism

John the Baptist called the people to repent for their sinful nature (actions and attitudes) and be baptized to prepare themselves to receive "the Kingdom of God" Jesus Christ. His job was to prepare the people to receive "THE WORD OF GOD" incarnate, Jesus Christ in order that the seed of the Word would have fertile soil in which to germinate, grow and bring forth fruit. Many of the religious leaders were offended by this request, since the law and tradition only required baptism of gentiles.

(Luke 3:3; Isaiah 40:3)

 

Christianity

Similar to the Jewish baptism, this is a ceremony performed on converts and typically includes some form of water baptism. It symbolizes the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ and the believer.  Water baptism is to the believer as marriage is to someone who is engaged. When a person gets married it is usually a very elaborate and public ceremony. At the moment the vows are exchanged, the bride and the groom do not fall in love with each other; there was a personal relationship that developed privately over time. The wedding ceremony symbolizes the love and the bond of unity that evolved between the couple and culminated in their commitment to each other. It is a display of the love that grew privately but is ready for public presentation. 

(Romans 6:1-4).

 

The following are 7 key aspects to Pentecostal Baptism, and when combined complete all of the above commandments from our Lord Jesus Christ. 

 
  • Immersion:
    Pentecostals typically baptize by full submersion in water, symbolizing the death and burial of the old self and the resurrection into new life. 
     
  • It is a public declaration of faith following a personal decision to accept Jesus Christ.
     
  • Outward sign of an inward change:
    Water baptism is seen as an outward expression of an inward spiritual transformation that has already occurred. 
     
  • No infant baptism:
    Pentecostals generally do not baptize infants or young children because they believe baptism should follow a conscious decision to follow Christ. 
     
  • Possible re-baptism:
    Some Pentecostals may re-baptize those who were previously baptized as infants or in a way that didn't align with their beliefs (e.g., sprinkling instead of immersion). 
     
  • Formula:
    While some Pentecostals use the traditional Trinitarian formula ("I baptize you in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit").  Oneness Pentecostals baptize in the name of Jesus Christ alone. 
     
  • Not a means of salvation:
    Pentecostals believe salvation is by grace through faith, not by works such as baptism.