John the Baptist was only 6 months older than Jesus Christ, and before they could get into the ministry, they had to be 30 years old. When the religionists of John's day asked him why he was baptizing, he told them in John chapter 1 verse 31 "And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water." So he was dunking them under the water of the river Jordan to make Jesus Christ known to the nation of Israel. It was a national baptism for the Jews.
Infant baptism is never referenced in the Bible. Baptism in the Bible always happens AFTER a person has placed their faith in Jesus Christ to save them by calling on HIS name. There are a number of baptisms in the Bible, but only one that counts, and that one has no water involved. You will find it in Romans chapter 6 where the Holy Ghost takes the person who has just called on Christ to save them, and plunges them into the body of Christ. That person is then in Christ for ever.
Believer's baptism now is to show that the person being baptised in identifying themselves with the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ -- the gospel.
Last edited by the_shootist; 11/19/20.
