Baptism is mentioned often in the Bible. Jesus spoke of baptism and was baptized by John. Baptism is discussed in the book of Acts by Luke. Paul talked of baptism throughout his epistles. Even St. Peter got involved with baptism and wrote about it in his first letter.
Christians of all types celebrate baptism. The word “baptism” or baptize” is mentioned seventy-one times in the most popular Bible translation. Baptism is obviously a big deal in Christianity.
Baptism, regrettably, is also one of those things that Christians love to fight about.
Infant baptism is practiced by many denominations. Believer’s baptism is also practiced by many in the church. I am not interested in opening a can of division over dipping or dunking.
Today I am simply going to share Bible verses pertaining to baptism. Baptism is a blessing.
Enjoy!
What Does The Bible Say About Baptism (Jesus)
Jesus, truly God and truly man, modeled the importance of baptism. God audibly spoke at the baptism of His Son.
Matthew 3:13 (NASB) Then Jesus arrived from Galilee at the Jordan, coming to John to be baptized by him.
Matthew 3:7 (NASB) But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for baptism, he said to them, “You offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
Mark 1:4 (NASB) John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
Matthew 21:25 The baptism of John was from what source: from heaven or from men?” And they began considering the implications among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say to us, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’
Mark 10:38 (NASB) But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking. Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?”
Mark 10:39 (NASB) They said to Him, “We are able.” And Jesus said to them, “The cup that I drink you shall drink, and you shall be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized.
Matthew 3:16-17 (NKJV) 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.”
Baptism in the Acts of the Apostles + One
The words “baptize” and baptism are used more in the Acts of the Apostles than in any other book.
Acts 1:21-22 (ESV) So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.
Witnessing the resurrection is key! We really need to dig deeper into the proof of the Resurrection!
Acts 2:38 (ESV) And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 16:31-33 (NASB) They said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” And they spoke the word of [n]the Lord to him together with all who were in his house. And he took them that very hour of the night and washed their wounds, and immediately he was baptized, he and all his household.
Luke 3:21 (NIV) When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened.
Acts 18:25 (ESV) 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.
Acts 19:4 (ESV) And Paul said, “John baptized with the baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in the one who was to come after him, that is, Jesus.”
What Does The Bible Say About Baptism (The Apostle Paul)
Paul spoke of baptism both positively and negatively. It appears that the baptism war didn’t begin with the modern church.
Romans 6:4 (ESV) We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.
Ephesians 4:4-6 (ESV) There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.
I Corinthians 1:13-15 (ESV) Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? I thank God that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius, so that no one may say that you were baptized in my name.
I Corinthians 1:17 (ESV) For Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the gospel, and not with words of eloquent wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
Random Bible Verses About Baptism
There is a doctrine of baptism. Peter puts a strong emphasis on baptism. John the Baptist indicates that there is a Holy Spirit baptism and a baptism in fire.
Interesting.
Hebrews 6:1-3 (NKJV) Therefore, leaving the discussion of the elementary principles of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, of laying on of hands, of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. And this we will do if God permits.
I Peter 3:21-22 (NKJV) 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.
Luke 3:16 (NKJV) John answered, saying to all, “I indeed baptize you with water; but One mightier than I is coming, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to loose. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
The Great Commission And Baptism
Matthew 28:18-20 (NKJV) And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
Jesus was clear.
Go.