Being baptized is an important occasion in every Christian’s life. In this devotional, we we’ll explore some Powerful Bible Verses about Baptism. Each one provides insight into the role of baptism in our Christian faith, and the importance of publicly declaring our faith in Jesus Christ.
Whether you’re considering baptism for yourself or seeking to deepen your understanding of this sacrament, these scriptures are sure to offer guidance and inspiration.
I remember the day I was baptized like it was yesterday. My brother and I were both baptized on the same Sunday morning. It was the most exciting time in my life. I had given my life to Jesus and wanted everyone to know.
With my mom and dad watching from the wings, I stepped into the pool of water in the sanctuary, proudly proclaimed my faith in Jesus Christ, and then my pastor dipped me into the water for all the church to see.
That moment didn’t save me or change my heart. It simply told the world that I had put my faith in Jesus Christ, something that took place weeks before in the pastor’s office.
Because while most people think that baptism is the moment of salvation, it’s not. It is a symbol of spiritual cleansing or rebirth that tells the world who we are in Christ.
Yes, if you’ve been saved by grace, it’s important to follow through and demonstrate your faith and commitment to Jesus by being baptized, But to be saved you first need to ask Jesus to come into your heart and save you from your sins. If you would like to know more about being saved, please read How to Be Saved. It’s an easy-to-understand guide that will answer most of your questions about salvation.
Purpose of Baptism in the Bible
Baptism is a significant event within our Christian faith.
Fundamentally, baptism is an act of obedience that represents the moment we gave our lives to Jesus, a public profession of what has taken place inside of our hearts and shows the world our commitment to follow Christ every day.
It’s through baptism that we are welcomed into the community of believers and become part of the body of Christ. We are no longer alone in our journey of faith but instead are surrounded by fellow Christians who can encourage and support us.
That’s why we celebrate when someone is baptized. We understand the change that has taken place inside of their heart. We remember the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross that made it possible for us all to receive the gift of grace. And we want to encourage those giving their life to Jesus as well.
What is Baptism?
While the practice of baptism may vary within different denominations, it is always a powerful mirror image of Jesus being laid in the tomb and raised to new life during the resurrection.
When a believer is immersed in water, it symbolizes the washing away of sins and the death and burial of their old self. Then when they are raised out of the water, it represents the new life they have in Christ.
The Holy Bible is filled with verses about baptism that provide insight into its significance and purpose. These verses not only offer guidance for those seeking to be baptized but also help to deepen the understanding of this important sacrament for believers. From the Gospels to the Epistles, the Bible offers a wealth of wisdom and inspiration for those seeking to explore the meaning and importance of baptism.
Top Bible Verses about Baptism
Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:38 NKJV
Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father even so we also should walk in newness of life.
Romans 6:4 New King James Version
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,
Matthew 28:19 ESV
John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
Luke 3:16 ESV
For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Galatians 3:26-27 NKJV
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.
There is also an antitype which now saves us—baptism (not the removal of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God), through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him.
1 Peter 3:21-22 NKJV
Bible Verses about Baptism and Salvation
Christians believe that faith alone is sufficient for salvation and that baptism is simply an outward expression of our inward faith.
However, baptism is a significant part of Christianity. It shows the world what we stand for and what Jesus has done to set us free. Because of this, as Christians, we should be baptized and continue to live according to God’s plan and perfect will.
Salvation is a life-long commitment to following Jesus and His commandments. But one of those commandments is to be baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
So, let’s take a look at some verses that emphasize the importance of baptism and salvation, and follow the command of our Savior to be baptized in His name.
“He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”
“Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”
“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.”
For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, apart from sin, for salvation.
And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
1 Corinthians 6:11 NIV
Read More in this Bible Study: Best Bible Verses about Salvation
Bible Verses about Baptism as a Symbol of Faith
The act of baptism itself doesn’t save us, but it is a powerful symbol of the saving work of Christ in a believer’s life.
It’s a physical representation of the spiritual reality that has taken place in our hearts when we placed our faith in Jesus.
These Bible Verses highlight the significance of baptism as a symbol of faith in the saving power of God.
For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.
Colossians 2:12 NLT
For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” And with many other words he bore witness and continued to exhort them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation.”
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Read More in this Devotional: Inspirational Bible Verses about Jesus
Bible Verses about Baptism and Forgiveness
Part of being baptized is acknowledging our need for forgiveness and our desire to turn away from sin.
And the Word of God is clear, baptism is a symbol of God’s love and forgiveness reserved for those who love and trust Him.
In the next collection of scriptures about baptism, we’ll see the love of God on display as we repent of our sins and receive forgiveness.
“Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'”
Acts 2:38 NASB
having been buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead. When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.
Colossians 2:12-14 NIV
For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin.
In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ,
Bible Verses about Baptism of the Holy Spirit
When we think of being baptized, it’s usually the kind of baptism by water we’ve already talked about.
But in addition to water baptism, the Bible also speaks of baptism in the Holy Spirit.
This is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in every believer’s life that happens when we are saved.
And it’s the Holy Spirit inside of our hearts that gives us the wisdom to understand God’s Word, comforts us in tough times, and empowers spiritual growth.
Here are some Bible verses that talk about baptism and the Holy Spirit.
For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit.
1 Corinthians 12:13
I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will clear his threshing floor and gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.”
But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior,
When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
Romans 5:5 NKJV
Bible Verse Art from Master’s Hand Collection
Ephesians 2:8 By Grace Art Print
Jesus Name Above All Names Bible Verse Art Print
Hebrews 11:1 Now Faith Art Print
Bible Verses about the Baptism of Jesus
When He had been baptized, Jesus came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him. And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
Matthew 3:16-17 New King James Version
Now when all the people were baptized, Jesus also was baptized, and while He was praying, heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came from heaven: “You are My beloved Son, in You I am well pleased.”
Luke 3:21-22 NASB
It came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan.
Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man.
Luke 17:26 NIV
Bible Verses about the Baptism of John
John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.
Then Paul said, “John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe on Him who would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.”
Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus.”
Acts 19:4 NIV
John’s baptism—where did it come from? Was it from heaven, or of human origin?” They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’
Matthew 21:25 New International Version
And all the country of Judea and all Jerusalem were going out to him and were being baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.
He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John.
Find out more about the Living Water of Jesus in this Bible Study!
Bible Verses about the Baptism of the Apostle Paul
Instantly something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and was baptized. Afterward he ate some food and regained his strength.
Saul stayed with the believers in Damascus for a few days. And immediately he began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues, saying, “He is indeed the Son of God!”
Acts 9:18-20 NLT
Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?
Water Baptism Verses
Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’
let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
Hebrews 10:22 ESV
Old Testament Bible Verses about Baptism
In the Old Testament, baptism is not explicitly mentioned. However, there are several scripture references to the practice of ceremonial washing, which is similar to baptism. These instances of washing foreshadow the baptism of the New Testament.
In Leviticus 16:4, Aaron is instructed to wash himself with water before entering the Holy of Holies.
He shall put on the holy linen coat and shall have the linen undergarment on his body, and he shall tie the linen sash around his waist, and wear the linen turban; these are the holy garments. He shall bathe his body in water and then put them on.
In 2 Kings 5:10, Naaman is told to wash himself in the Jordan River to be healed of his leprosy.
And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored to you, and you shall be clean.”
New Testament Bible Verses about Baptism
Baptism is mentioned many times in the New Testament signaling the importance of it in a Christian’s life.
Let’s read some examples of people who believed in Jesus and were baptized.
In John 1:27-29, John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, proclaims the deity of Jesus while baptizing believers.
He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.”
This all happened at Bethany on the other side of the Jordan, where John was baptizing.
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
John 1:27-29 NIV
In Acts 16:33 Paul and Silas share the gospel of Jesus with a jailor and his family.
At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized.
Acts 16:33 NIV
In Luke 3:12 John preached, and the tax collectors believed.
Then tax collectors also came to be baptized, and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?”
In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus gives us the “Great Commission”, to share the gospel so that others may believe.
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Matthew 28:19-20 NIV
As you can see, baptism is an important step in our journey of faith and represents our commitment to God and His forgiveness. It is a symbol of our new life in Christ and our membership in the body of believers.
As Christians, we are called to be baptized and to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It isn’t just a one-time event but rather, a lifelong commitment to follow Christ and grow in our faith in Him.
I pray these Powerful Bible Verses about Baptism have inspired you to reflect on the amazing grace and love of our Savior. And that you’ll continue to grow in your faith and share the good news of salvation with others.
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