Is baptism in water suppose to be a modern ritual?

"John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. And all the country of Judea was going out to him, and all the people of Jerusalem; and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins" (Mark 1:4,5 (NASB)).

"Then Jerusalem was going out to him, and all Judea and all the district around the Jordan; and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, as they confessed their sins" (Matthew 3:5,6 (NASB)).

"Then Jesus arrived from Galilee at the Jordan coming to John, to be baptized by him. But John tried to prevent Him, saying, “I have need to be baptized by You, and do You come to me?” But Jesus answering said to him, “Permit it at this time; for in this way it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” (Matthew 3:13-15 (NASB)).

"After these things Jesus and His disciples came into the land of Judea, and there He was spending time with them and baptizing. John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there; and people were coming and were being baptized — for John had not yet been thrown into prison" (John 3:22-24 (NASB)).

"While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who were listening to the message. All the circumcised believers who came with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also. For they were hearing them speaking with tongues and exalting God. Then Peter answered, “Surely no one can refuse the water for these to be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we did, can he?” And he ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to stay on for a few days" (Acts 10:44-48 (NASB)).

The Messiah said we are to follow His example, but He did not specifically include baptism in water (1 John 2:6; John 13:15; Corinthians 11:1; 1 Peter 2:21).

Different baptisms -

"Now while the people were in a state of expectation and all were wondering in their hearts about John, as to whether he was the Christ, John answered and said to them all, “As for me, I baptize you with water; but One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to untie the thong of His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire" (Luke 3:15,16 (NASB)).

""As for me, I baptize you with water for repentance, but He who is coming after me is mightier than I, and I am not fit to remove His sandals; He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire"" (Matthew 3:11 (NASB)).

"And he was preaching, and saying, “After me One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to stoop down and untie the thong of His sandals. I baptized you with water; but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” (Mark 1:7,8 (NASB))

"There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all" (Ephesians 4:4-6 (NASB)).

"It happened that while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul passed through the upper country and came to Ephesus, and found some disciples. He said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said to him, “No, we have not even heard whether there is a Holy Spirit.” And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” And they said, “Into John’s baptism.” Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in Him who was coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking with tongues and prophesying. There were in all about twelve men" (Acts 19:1-7 (NASB)).

"If you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each one’s work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay on earth; knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood, as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ" (1 Peter 1:17-19 (NASB)).

"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:19 (NASB)). The Messiah didn't say to baptize them in water and in the name of the Father and the Son and The Holy Spirit. A research of the Greek word used for 'baptizing' determined that the same Greek word was used to describe both types of baptizing, so the Greek word can't be used to differentiate between the two types of baptism.

Please read, Baptism in the name of the Father and the Son and The Holy Spirit
Please read, Does laying on of hands bring The Holy Spirit?

Commentary

The ministry of John the Baptist offered baptism in water for repentance and the forgiveness of sins (Mark 1:4). The ministry of The Messiah offered baptism in the name of The Father and The Son and a promise of The Holy Spirit. When The Messiah sacrificed His life on the cross, baptism in water was replaced by the new covenant, which offered forgiveness of sins through the sacrificial shedding of His blood, plus the deposit of The Holy Spirit guaranteeing the inheritance of salvation (Hebrews 8:11; Ephesians 1:14). The ministry of John the Baptist was to decrease, and the ministry of The Messiah was to increase (John 3:30). After that event, Apostle Paul seems to have been pretty adamant that there was only one baptism, which is highly likely the baptism in the name of the Father and the Son and The Holy Spirit (Ephesians 4:4-6).

To many modern day believers, baptism in water has become a public ritual that is symbolic of the life, death, and resurrection of The Messiah. Baptism in water has similarly become a public commitment to God of a believer's heart, mind, and soul. Bystanders or witnesses celebrate the new commitment to God, and they support the newly baptized believer's walk on the strait and narrow path to salvation. Baptism in water could be compared to wearing a wedding ring. Wearing a ring publicly illustrates that a person is committed in his heart to his spouse, but the ring doesn't legally bind a person in marriage. The Messiah said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me" (John 14:6 (NASB)).

Many pastors today continue to preach and practice baptism in water, circumcision, and other ancient rituals. Be advised that even anointed pastors are human and not perfect, and as more people get between Christians and their relationships with God, the higher the chance that some unpleasant experience can take place. Therefore, frequently recite the daily prayer because it reminds Christians about the importance of forgiving other people at all times and in all things. Nobody can come between you and God, and your love for Him, unless you use your free will, and you choose to allow it to happen to you (1 Timothy 2:5,6).

Is The Messiah pleased or displeased that baptism in water is practiced after He sacrificed His life on the cross? None of the ancient scriptures we've recovered to date state that baptism in water was forbidden after the crucifixion of The Messiah. Pray to The Messiah to receive His answer for you. I think The Messiah has risen far above the sacrifice He made on the cross, far beyond the unimaginable pain He endured to forgive our sins and develop loving relationships with every believer possible, and that probably also includes the believers whom continue the ritual of baptism in water.