In this world today there are many different beliefs on the subject of baptism, however, there is only one scriptural way to be baptized.  Let us look at the most "popular" beliefs on baptism, made up by men.  Even thought there are many false teachings on baptism, we will just look at the two major misconceptions, then we will see what Christ says on the subject.
    The first, and probably most popular belief is, "He that believeth and is saved shall be baptized."  This is taught by those who teach faith only.  With this false belief, people are under the impression that they are saved when they say a simple prayer of faith asking the Lord to come into their heart.  THis prayer is never found in the Bible, and does not wash away sins.  After saying this prayer of faith, "saving" them, they are baptized to show their dedication to the Lord.  This false teaching could not be further from the truth!  After Peter finished his first Gospel sermon telling the lost about the saving power of Christ, the Bible says, "Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?"  (Acts 2:37).  What a wonderful question.  These people were convicted of their sin, and now wanted to know how to have those sins forgiven.  Peter's answer is very important!  "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins . . . (emphasis-MER)"  (Acts 2:38).  These people now believed in Christ, but did not receive remission of their sins until after they were baptized.  It is baptism that washes sin away, not a prayer of faith or by any other means.  Young people, do not be led astray by the false doctrine that says faith alone saves.  "For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also"  (James 2:26).
    The second false belief is, "He that is baptized shall believe and be saved."  This is taught by those who advocate infant baptism.  They believe that people are born with sin already in their life.  If this belief were true then it would mean Jesus was born a sinner.  The same people who teach this belief also believe that Jesus was sinless.  So they contradict themselves.  If their teaching were true then Jesus would have inherited Mary's sin, however we know Jesus was sinless.  I Peter 2:21, 22 says, "For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:  Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth. (emphasis-MER)"  Therefore, children do not inherit the sins of their parents, and are born into this world sinless.  We are responsible for our own actions, and only we can put ourselves into a sinful state.
 The true teaching on baptism says this, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be save, he that believeth not shall be damned"  (Mark 16:16).  This is what Jesus taught.  Notice the order in which it is done, Belief+Baptism=Saved.  Dear reader, this is the ONLY way baptism is effective.  Being baptized for any other reason than the remission of sons is doing nothing but getting wet.  I would like to make challenge to you, the reader.  Study your Bible to see if there was ever an account of conversion where the sinner was not told to be baptized.  When Paul was converted he was told, "And now why tarriest thou?  arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord"  (Acts 22:16).  His conversion was not complete until he obeyed this command.  Unless we are baptized into Christ (Galatians 3:27), we are not in Christ.  Until we are buried with Him in baptism, we are not walking in newness of life (Romans 6:4).  Unless we are born of water and the Spirit, after being convicted of our sins, we cannot enter into the kingdom of God (John 3:5).  Finally, unless we are buried with our Lord in baptism, we are not members of the church Christ shed His blood for (Acts 2:41-47).
    Despite the fact that the majority of the religious world is confused about this subject does not mean you have to be.  The Bible speaks plainly about baptism.  We must study God's Word to see His teachings on baptism.  We must take into consideration what the context of the scripture is.  We cannot pick and choose which parts of the Bible we wish to obey.  We either obey it all, including baptism, or reject it.  To reject Bible baptism is to reject God's Word!