The word Baptize comes from the Greek verb "bapizo" meaning to immerse, to dip as in the dyeing of a garment, requiring the complete submerging of the object.

In Matthew 28: 19-20, Jesus commands his followers to "go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit....".

Baptism is the means by which followers of Christ are identified.