What is baptism?

Baptism I have always been curious about baptism. Why did they want to be baptized? Where did John the baptist get this idea? So I have been doing a little studying on it. I would love to hear your questions and comments as well! iBaptism simply means to “immerse or overwhelm.” John didn’t sprinkle when he came baptizing. As was the custom in some other Jewish ceremonial washings,John completely immersed those he baptized. “Naturally,therefore,the baptism was not a mere sprinkling with water,but a bath in which his whole body was bathed.” (Barclay) ii. Baptism was practiced in the Jewish community already in the form of ceremonial immersions; but typically,it was only among Gentiles who wished to become Jews. For a Jew in John’s day to submit to baptism was essentially to say,“I confess that I am as far away from God as a Gentile and I need to get right with Him.” This was a real work of the Holy Spirit. iii. John’s baptism might have been related to the Jewish practice of baptizing Gentile converts,or to some of the ceremonial washings practiced by the Jews of that day. Though it may have some links,at the same time is was unique - so unique that John simply became known as “the Baptizer.” If there were a lot of people doing that,it wouldn’t be a unique title. iv. Is Christian baptism - the baptism we do today - just like John’s? Christian baptism is like John’s in the sense that it demonstrates repentance,but it is also more. It is being baptized into Christ,that is,into His death and resurrection (Romans 6:3).