Does the mode or formula really make any difference?
Differences according to the mode of baptism:
- immersion
- sprinkling or pouring
Differences according to the formula for baptism:
- in the name of Jesus
- in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit
Differences according to the person who's receiving the baptism:
- capable of having faith only
- infant baptism
Difference according to the purpose of baptism:
- a requirement for salvation
- outward evidence of salvation and church affiliation
The Importance of Baptism
Jewish Baptism: A religious ablution signifying purification or consecration. The natural method of cleansing the body by washing and bathing in water was always customary in Israel (see Ablution, Bathing). The washing of their clothes was an important means of sanctification enjoined on the Israelites before the Revelation on Mt. Sinai (Ex. xix. 10). The Rabbis connect with this the duty of bathing by complete immersion ("ṭebilah," Yeb. 46b; Mek., Baḥodesh, iii.); and since sprinkling with blood was always accompanied by immersion, tradition connects with this immersion the blood lustration mentioned as having also taken place immediately before the Revelation (Ex. xxiv. 8), these three acts being the initiatory rites always performed upon proselytes, "to bring them under the wings of the Shekinah" (Yeb.l.c.).
Source: http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/2456-baptism
"I indeed baptize you with water to repentance. But He who comes after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire" (Matthew 3:11).
"And Jesus, when He had been baptized, went up immediately out of the water" (Matthew 3:16).
"After these things Jesus and His disciples came into the land of Judea. And He stayed there with them and baptized" (John 3:22).
"Therefore when the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John (though Jesus Himself did not baptize, but His disciples)" (John 4:1-2).
"He who believes and is baptized will be saved, but he who does not believe will be condemned" (Mark 16:16).
Likewise, Ananias instructed Paul, “Arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 22:16).
The Mode of Baptism
The Formula for Baptism
The Apostle Paul commanded, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17). Certainly this instruction applies to water baptism.
The apostles knew the exact meaning of all the teachings of Jesus concerning baptism and carried them out explicitly. They understood that the singular name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost—the name that reveals the fulness of the Godhead—is Jesus. (See Matthew 1:21; John 5:43; 14:26; Colossians 2:9.) On every occasion they used, or commanded the use of, the name of Jesus Christ in the baptismal formula. (See Acts 2:38; 8:16; 10:48; 19:5; 22:16.) It is significant that they plainly prescribed His name in the baptismal ceremony. The name Jesus identifies and validates the baptism, just as the proper name signed to a check makes it valid.
"And she shall bear a son, and you shall call His name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21).
"I have come in My Father's name, and you do not receive Me. If another shall come in his own name, him you will receive" (John 5:43).
"But the Comforter, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance, whatever I have said to you" (John 14:26).
"For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily" (Colossians 2:9).
"Then Peter said to them, Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ to remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38).
"For as yet He had not fallen on any of them, they were baptized only in the name of the Lord Jesus" (Acts 8:16).
"And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord" (Acts 10:48).
"And hearing, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus" (Acts 19:5).
"And now what do you intend? Arise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord" (Acts 22:16).
True, some denominations have traditionally sprinkled instead of immersing and have mistakenly substituted the use of the titles Father, Son and Holy Ghost for the use of the actual name Jesus. But those who are sincere will value truth above tradition and will obey the teaching of the gospel. “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. . . .”