Dear John O:

I am a Baptist because I feel that their teaching is nearer to Biblical
teaching as one can get.  I AM NOT saying that other churches do not
teach Biblical doctrine, obviously because I haven't gone to all other
denominational churches.
I was saved in a Pentecostal church, and pastored a Brethren church
(which practiced triune baptism - that is dunking the candidates three
times forward - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).

The practice was different than that which I was accustomed to, but not
unscriptural.

John, there is only one baptism which really matters, and that is the
Baptism in the Holy Spirit.  1 Corinthians 12:12.13.

                "For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all
the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is
        Christ.
                        For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one
body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and
have been
        all made to drink into one Spirit."

Jesus submitted to John the Baptist's baptism because He had to fulfill
all righteousness.  He came as the Second Adam to identify Himself with
fallen humanity.  He was not a sinner (2 Corinthians 5:21), BUT He became
sin for us in order for us (saved ones) to receive the righteousness of
Christ.

Baptism has to symbolize Christ's death, burial and resurrection.  1
Corinthians 15:1-4.

Jesus died on the cross (death), was buried (placed in the tomb), and
rose from the dead.

Baptism, to fulfill that picture means that the candidate must die (to
sin and the sinful nature), be buried (in the water of baptism by
immersion), and rise from the dead into newness of life.  1 Peter
3:21,22. 
                "The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now
save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer
of a                 good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of
Jesus Christ:
                Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God;
angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him."
In my view any other socalled baptism such as sprinkling, pouring, etc.,
simply does not fulfill the Biblical one.

Jesus' baptism could not have been unto repentance as was the case in
John's baptism (Matthew 3:11).
                "I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance. but he
that cometh after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to
        bear: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire:"

Because of Calvary, yours,
Delmer G. Lawson
Jesus loves you, and I do too