40 Bible Verses About Baptism
What is Baptism in Christianity?
There are many Bible verses about baptism. Baptism is a religious rite and has great importance in Christianity. It is used to restart people’s spiritual life. Baptism is done when a person commits a lot of sins and wants to turn back to God. In this process, water is sprinkled on the person who wants to be baptized. After the sprinkling of baptism, the person is purified and no sin remains on him. He becomes a person born again. One method of repentance in Christianity is called baptism. It began when Jesus was baptized by John near the river.
There are many verses in the Bible that teach about baptism. The process of baptism is well described in it and it is said that baptism means sprinkling water or immersing in water so that all sins of a person are forgiven and he is given spiritual life again. Baptism is a sign that means a person is saved. Paul has described the way to connect with Jesus Christ through baptism.
Purpose of Baptism
Book
Old-Testament
Reference
Isaiah 1:16
Verse
Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong.
Explanation
This is a verse from the book of Isaiah that commands us to purify ourselves and repent of our sins. When we do this, we should not commit sins later and live according to God’s will. It teaches that one should not do wrong and stay away from evil deeds and lead one’s life in purity.
Book
Old-Testament
Reference
Ezekiel 36:25
Verse
I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols.
Explanation
In this verse, God is telling His servants that He will sprinkle water through the process of baptism. Because of this sprinkling, the sins of the people will be forgiven and they will be purified.
Book
Old-Testament
Reference
Zechariah 13:1
Verse
On that day a fountain will be opened to the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and impurity.
Explanation
In this verse, God is asking to purify David and his people. He is saying that one day He will raise up a fountain and that fountain will fall on David and on his people and on Jerusalem. This spring will sprinkle everywhere and the person on whom its waterfalls will be purified. God will forgive their mistakes and bring them to the right path.
Book
New-Testament
Reference
Matthew 28:19-20
Verse
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.
Explanation
In this verse, God is talking to Jesus and saying that Jesus should go to every nation and while Jesus is in the world, he should call these people to God and make them pure and clean through baptism. Explain to them that God and Jesus want their good. In this verse, God is also comforting Jesus and saying that I am with you and you should first cleanse all nations through baptism before returning home.
Book
New-Testament
Reference
Mark 16:16
Verse
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
Explanation
In this verse, Jesus is talking about those who believe in him and others who do not believe in Jesus. Jesus is saying that those who believe in him will be saved through baptism. Whereas those who do not believe in Jesus will be deprived of baptism and it will be very bad for them. It will be their misfortune that they will not believe in Jesus and miss out on salvation through baptism.
Book
New-Testament
Reference
Acts 2:38
Verse
Peter replied, “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.
Explanation
In this verse, Peter is giving good news to those who ask for forgiveness of their sins in the name of Jesus and receive salvation through baptism. Those who do this are forgiven all their sins and are given the blessing of the Holy Spirit as a gift.
Book
New-Testament
Reference
Romans 6:3-4
Verse
Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
Explanation
In this verse, the death of Jesus is combined with baptism and the conclusion is drawn that just as Jesus rose from the dead and we are baptized in the name of Jesus. So our sins die and after this death we start spiritual life again and this spiritual life is free from sins.
Book
New-Testament
Reference
Galatians 3:27
Verse
For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
Explanation
In this verse, an analogy is given with the clothes of Jesus and it is said that the person who is baptized is wrapped in the clothes of Jesus. It means that the one who is baptized is connected to Jesus and a new spiritual life begins.
Book
New-Testament
Reference
1 Peter 3:21
Verse
And this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Explanation
In this verse, it is mentioned that baptism does not only mean cleaning the dirt of the body, but it makes the spiritual life of a person pure and clean and a person becomes closer to God. Baptism is a means that brings a person to God.
Book
New-Testament
Reference
John 3:5
Verse
Jesus answered, Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.
Explanation
In this verse, Jesus tells us that a person cannot enter heaven until he repents of his sins and cleanses his soul through water. That is, when a person commits mistakes and sins, he should take baptism and purify himself by sprinkling water. When he is spiritually purified, he will enter the paradise of God.
Book
New-Testament
Reference
Acts 22:16
Verse
And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized, and wash your sins away, calling on his name.
Explanation
In this verse, people are told not to wait, but to baptize themselves as soon as possible and wash away their sins. By being pure, they can get close to God. Man should not delay in getting close to God. In this verse, humans are explained and ordered to improve their relationship with God as soon as possible and get rid of their sins.
Book
New-Testament
Reference
Colossians 2:12
Verse
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.
Explanation
This verse can be interpreted in such a way that Jesus was resurrected after death and we are also baptized in his name. In the same way, we also have a spiritual death and then we are resurrected. Meaning, our sinful life has died and now we rise to a life that is pure and clean.
New Life And Spirituality
Book
Old-Testament
Reference
Ezekiel 36:25-27
Verse
I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.
Explanation
In this, God is promising His servants and saying that He will purify His servants and there will be no dirt in their hearts at all. Only spirituality will be in their heart. In this, God is saying that He will take out the stony heart of man and put a heart that is made of flesh. In that heart there will be feelings, emotions and love for God. God is also saying that He will put His Spirit into the heart so that man will follow His commands and keep His laws.
Book
Old-Testament
Reference
Isaiah 1:16-18
Verse
Wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong. Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow. “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.
Explanation
In this verse, God is saying that people should purify themselves and wash away their sins through baptism, because God cannot see their evil deeds. God promises them and says that if these people will remove themselves from their sins and try to come to goodness, then God will make them white as snow, which means that their sins will be completely cleansed.
Book
Old-Testament
Reference
Psalm 51:7-10
Verse
Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice. Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Explanation
This verse is the prayer of David. David prays to God in it and says, O God, make me pure and clean like snow. It means that no sin remains at all. David is saying in this verse that O God, purify my heart and give me such a soul that follows your commands and is not inclined to sin.
Book
Old-Testament
Reference
Jeremiah 31:33-34
Verse
“This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel after that time,” declares the Lord. “I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people. No longer will they teach their neighbor, or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’ because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,” declares the Lord. “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”
Explanation
In this verse, God promises people and says that He will create His love in people’s hearts and forgive their sins. God will forget the sins committed by these people. Meaning, the name and mark of these sins will be removed and those sins will not remain among people and God will not remember those sins. This shows the greatness of God. God is saying in this verse that He will create His love in people’s hearts and guide them to the straight path and people will know their Lord well.
Book
New-Testament
Reference
Romans 6:3-4
Verse
Or don’t you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.
Explanation
In Christianity, the afterlife of Jesus is compared to the spiritual life received after baptism. And it is being said that just as Jesus was given a new life by God, so after baptism we are given a very good spiritual life after the death of the old sinful life.
Book
New-Testament
Reference
2 Corinthians 5:17
Verse
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
Explanation
In this verse, the importance of baptism is clarified and it is said that as people’s faith in Jesus is strong and they are baptized, then God erases their old sins and again gives them a perfect spiritual life. It means that the old bad life is buried and a very good new spiritual life is given.
Book
New-Testament
Reference
Galatians 3:27
Verse
For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
Explanation
In this verse, it is mentioned that all those who wash away their sins through baptism and become pure again in the name of Jesus, they become very close to Jesus. The closeness to them is illustrated in this verse with Jesus’ clothes.
Book
New-Testament
Reference
John 3:5
Verse
Jesus answered, Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.
Explanation
In this verse, Jesus is explaining that one can enter the Kingdom of God only when a person cleanses himself and repents of his sins. The way to cleanse oneself is to be baptized. By baptism, one’s soul is purified and it seems as if one has been born again.
Book
New-Testament
Reference
Colossians 2:12
Verse
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.
Explanation
It is said about baptism that it is like a person who is alive after death and when he is alive after death, he is pure and clean, all his sins are washed away.
Book
New-Testament
Reference
1 Peter 3:21
Verse
And this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Explanation
The effects of baptism on a person are compared to the resurrection of Jesus after his death. Just like Jesus died but later rose again. Likewise, when a person is baptized, his sinful life ends and he enters into a life that is pure and clean.
Relationship of Baptism And Holy Spirit
Book
Old-Testament
Reference
Isaiah 44:3
Verse
For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.
Explanation
In this, God is giving an example of dry land. And this means that those people who are victims of sins and the spiritual life is also very bad. God says that he will send rain on this earth, that is, pure water. Through this, it will be purified. All generations will be in God’s mercy.
Book
Old-Testament
Reference
Joel 2:28-29
Verse
And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days.
Explanation
In this verse, God is promising and saying that He will send down His Spirit on His servants and create enthusiasm and passion in people. People will get excited, old people will also dream dreams, young people will get an idea. Poverty will end and God says to shower His mercy on everyone without distinguishing whether one is a man or a woman.
Book
New-Testament
Reference
Matthew 3:11
Verse
I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
Explanation
In this verse we learn that baptism is not only with water but also with the Holy Spirit and water. In this verse, John says that when Jesus will baptize people, he will use fire and the Holy Spirit. Generally, water is used, but Jesus will specifically use fire and the Holy Spirit.
Book
New-Testament
Reference
Mark 1:8
Verse
I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.
Explanation
John is also saying in this verse that I baptize people with water, but Jesus will baptize with the Holy Spirit. Fire is mentioned in the previous verse that Jesus will baptize with fire and the Holy Spirit, but only the Holy Spirit is mentioned in this verse.
Book
New-Testament
Reference
Luke 3:16
Verse
John answered them all, I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.
Explanation
In this verse, John is saying that I am a person who can baptize with water. But there is a much greater being. I am not equal to the dust of his feet. That person is Jesus. And Jesus will baptize with fire and the Holy Spirit instead of water.
Book
New-Testament
Reference
John 1:33
Verse
And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’
Explanation
In this verse, John is expressing that he does not know about Jesus, but God revealed an identity that the person on whom the Holy Spirit will descend and he will baptize people through the Holy Spirit. He will actually be the Messiah. This verse shows how Jesus was recognized by the rest of the people.
Book
New-Testament
Reference
Acts 1:5
Verse
For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.
Explanation
This verse tells us that people used to be baptized by John. But, that time was about to come when a Messiah will baptize people. The difference between the baptism of John and the Messiah is that John baptized with water, while the Messiah will baptize with the Holy Spirit.
Book
New-Testament
Reference
Acts 2:38
Verse
Peter replied, 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.
Explanation
In this verse, Peter is admonishing the people and telling them to leave their sinful lives and be pure. Be baptized to be purified and be a good servant of God so that you may be given the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Book
New-Testament
Reference
Acts 10:44-48
Verse
While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.
Explanation
Once Peter was speaking to the people and at that time the Spirit of God came down and blessed the people, including both Jews and Gentiles. This shows that all are equal in God’s eyes.
Book
New-Testament
Reference
Acts 19:5-6
Verse
On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.
Explanation
It also mentions the incident when Peter and all the people were baptizing with their hands in the name of God. At that time the Holy Spirit descended and blessed all Jews and non-Jews. The sign of this was that the present people began to speak in different languages and praise God.
Book
New-Testament
Reference
1 Corinthians 12:13
Verse
For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
Explanation
It is mentioned in this verse that when Peter and the rest of the people were standing, the Holy Spirit descended on them and cleansed them all. That is, he baptized them. Then Peter said that God had baptized them with the same Spirit, and some were Jews and some were Gentiles. It shows that all are equal and are brothers.
Book
New-Testament
Reference
Titus 3:5
Verse
He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.
Explanation
In this verse, God’s greatness is described and it is said that God did not baptize people because of good deeds, but God purified them because of His mercy. God gave death to people contaminated past and gave a good spiritual life again.
Teaching of Jesus And Baptism
Book
New-Testament
Reference
Matthew 3:13-17
Verse
Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
Explanation
This verse tells us that Jesus, who lived in Galilee, came to John in Jordan. They were sitting by the river. Jesus asked John to baptize him. At this John was very surprised and said that I am the one who should be baptized by you and you want to be baptized by me. Jesus said, “Yes, baptize me.” Then John baptized Jesus. Jesus went into the river and as he was coming back out of the water, the sky was divided and the Holy Spirit came in the form of a dove. God’s voice also came from heaven in which he was expressing his love for Jesus.
Book
New-Testament
Reference
Mark 1:9-11
Verse
At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in Jordan. Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
Explanation
It is mentioned in this verse that Jesus was returning from the water when the sky opened and the Holy Spirit came from there in the form of a dove. God’s voice also came from heaven in which he was expressing his love for Jesus.
Book
New-Testament
Reference
Luke 3:21-22
Verse
When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
Explanation
After baptizing is done of people and Jesus, God opened the heaven and sent the Holy spirit in the form of a dove. Then God said;” You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
Relationship Between Baptism And Relief
Book
New-Testament
Reference
1 Peter 3:21
Verse
And this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Explanation
In this verse, the meaning of baptism has been explained that it does not only mean to remove the sins of a person and give him spiritual life again, but the main purpose of baptism is to bring people closer to God. From whom people have become distant because of their sins, through baptism their sins are removed and they are drawn closer to God.
Book
New-Testament
Reference
Acts 22:16
Verse
And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized, and wash your sins away, calling on his name.
Explanation
It is explained in this verse. That people get up! What are you waiting for? You should immediately turn to your God and repent of your sins, cleanse them, and live a pure life again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
In these bible verses, the importance of Baptism is mentioned. It is used to start over people’s spiritual life. The process of baptism means sprinkling water on a person so that all sins of a person are forgiven and he is given new sacred spiritual life again. In these bible verses, three types of baptism are mentioned as by water, fire and Holy Spirit.
