Scripture tells us (Col. 2:12) that we were buried with him in baptism. But does this mean our baptism should be being immersed under the water to picture being buried like Christ? As I think about it he was not buried under the ground but was in a tomb above ground surrounded by rock. He had been prepared for his burial by pouring when the woman poured the flask of ointment over his head (Mark 14:3,8) "...she has anointed my body beforehand for burial."
1 Peter 3:20 - while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirst from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience...
Scripture tells us that baptism corresponds to the "salvation" the ark provided. Who was immersed? Not the those who were saved but those who died. Who was saved - a few. The saved were "sprinkled" upon from above not immersed.
Col. 2:11 - "you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands..having been buried with him in baptism." Here Scripture equates circumcision and baptism. This is the direct connection between the two in the NT. In the OT Jewish baby boys were circumcised as a sign of the covenant. That sign continues in baptism but it is open to male and female alike. Just as in the OT Jewish adult converters were circumcised, adult converters are be baptized in the NT, male and female alike. But that does not change it into being a sign of belief. God does not do that. It is a sign of the covenant still and so is still appropriate for babies to be baptized.
