Baptism is an outward sign of faith. Today, we’ll reflect on what the Bible says about its meaning and practice.
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What Does The Bible Say About Baptizing
Matthew 28:19-20
“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.”
This verse highlights the Great Commission given by Jesus to His disciples. It emphasizes the importance of baptizing believers in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as part of the process of making disciples. Baptism represents a public declaration of one’s faith and the beginning of a new life in Christ.
In obedience to Jesus’ command, we are called not only to baptize but also to teach new believers to follow Christ’s teachings, knowing that He is always present with us, even until the end of the age.
Acts 2:38
“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.”
In this verse, Peter emphasizes the connection between repentance, baptism, and forgiveness of sins. Repentance involves a sincere turning away from sin and a recognition of our need for a Savior. Baptism, then, becomes an outward expression of this inward transformation.
Through baptism in the name of Jesus Christ, believers receive the forgiveness of sins and are filled with the Holy Spirit, experiencing a new life and a restored relationship with God.
Mark 16:16
“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”
In this verse, Jesus emphasizes the importance of true belief combined with baptism. It is through faith in Him and the act of baptism that salvation is received. Believers are saved by the grace of God, evidenced by their trust in Christ and their willingness to publicly declare their faith through baptism.
However, Jesus also warns of the consequences for those who do not believe, emphasizing the significance of faith and baptism in the journey towards eternal life.
Romans 6:3-4
“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.”
This passage highlights the powerful symbolism of baptism. Through baptism into Christ, believers identify with His death, burial, and resurrection. It represents a spiritual union with Christ and the death of our old sinful selves.
Just as Christ was raised from the dead, we too are raised to a new life of righteousness and transformation. Baptism signifies our participation in the glorious work of Christ and the beginning of a new life lived in accordance with His teachings.
Galatians 3:27
“For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”
In this verse, the apostle Paul emphasizes the profound transformation brought about by baptism. Through baptism, believers are not only united with Christ but also clothed with His righteousness.
As we identify with Christ through baptism, His virtues and character become our own. We are called to live in a manner worthy of our baptism, reflecting Christ’s love, grace, and holiness in all aspects of our lives.
Acts 22:16
“And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.”
In this verse, Ananias exhorts Saul (later known as the apostle Paul) to rise, be baptized, and have his sins washed away. Through baptism, believers experience the cleansing and purification of their sins, receiving the forgiveness and grace of God.
Baptism also serves as a tangible reminder of our reliance on Christ and our ongoing need to call on His name for salvation, forgiveness, and guidance in our daily walk with Him.
1 Peter 3:21
“…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.”
In this verse, the apostle Peter explains the symbolism and significance of baptism. He clarifies that it is not the physical act of water baptism that brings salvation but rather the spiritual reality it represents.
Baptism serves as a symbol of our pledge to God, a public declaration of our commitment to follow Christ and live with a clear conscience. Through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, we are saved by God’s grace and receive the gift of eternal life.
Colossians 2:12
“…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.”
This verse underscores the powerful spiritual transformation that occurs through baptism. Believers are united with Christ in His death and resurrection, symbolically participating in His redemptive work.
Through our faith in God’s power, we are washed clean, buried with Christ in baptism, and raised to a new life. Baptism serves as an outward expression of our inward faith and an acknowledgment of the transformative work of God in our lives.
Acts 16:33
“At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized.”
In this narrative, the jailer responds to the gospel message proclaimed by Paul and Silas. His act of washing their wounds and subsequent baptism symbolize his repentance and conversion to Christianity.
Baptism not only signifies personal faith but also often extends to family and household members, reflecting the ripple effect of one’s commitment to Christ on their immediate community.
Acts 8:36-38
“As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?” And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.”
This passage recounts the encounter between Philip, the Ethiopian eunuch, and the opportunity for baptism. The eunuch’s eagerness to be baptized demonstrates his genuine repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.
Baptism serves as a visible act of obedience and public profession of faith, showing the eunuch’s commitment to follow Christ. It also reveals Philip’s role as the one who baptizes, guiding others in their journey of discipleship.
Acts 10:47-48
“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.”
In this narrative, Peter witnesses the Holy Spirit descending on Cornelius and his household. Recognizing the work of the Holy Spirit, Peter affirms their faith and orders their baptism in the name of Jesus Christ.
This passage reminds us that baptism is not to be hindered or withheld from those who have received the gift of the Holy Spirit. It reinforces the unity of believers, regardless of their background or ethnicity, in the body of Christ.
Acts 18:8
“Crispus, the synagogue leader, and his entire household believed in the Lord; and many of the Corinthians who heard Paul believed and were baptized.”
In this verse, we see the conversion and subsequent baptism of Crispus, a prominent synagogue leader, and his entire household. It also mentions the belief and baptism of many other Corinthians who heard Paul’s preaching.
Baptism is an essential step for new believers in publicly testifying their faith in the Lord. As with Crispus and the Corinthians, baptism often serves as an outward declaration of a heart transformed by the power of the gospel.
1 Corinthians 12:13
“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.”
In this verse, the apostle Paul emphasizes the unity of believers through baptism. Regardless of our backgrounds, social status, or ethnicity, we are all baptized by the Holy Spirit into one body, which is the Church.
Baptism denotes our incorporation into the larger body of Christ, where we become partakers of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit and experience the spiritual bonding of all believers.
Ephesians 4:5
“…one Lord, one faith, one baptism.”
Found within a passage highlighting the unity of the body of Christ, this verse emphasizes the singularity of baptism. There is not a plurality of baptisms, but rather one baptism that unites all believers.
Baptism serves as a unifying element, representing our shared faith in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. It crosses denominational lines, ethnic divisions, and cultural barriers, emphasizing the universal nature of the Christian faith.
Acts 19:3-5
“So Paul asked, “Then what baptism did you receive?” “John’s baptism,” they replied. 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.” On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
In this account, Paul encounters some disciples who had only received John the Baptist’s baptism of repentance. Upon learning about the fullness of the gospel, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
This passage emphasizes the importance of understanding the full implications of baptism. It demonstrates the significance of being baptized in the name of Jesus, recognizing Him as the Son of God and the true object of our faith and repentance.
Titus 3:5
“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.”
Titus emphasizes the salvation brought about by God’s mercy and grace rather than our own deeds. This salvation is received through the “washing of rebirth,” referring to baptism, and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit.
Baptism represents a spiritual cleansing, a washing away of our old selves, and a renewal by the Holy Spirit. It highlights our complete dependence on God’s mercy and the transformative power of His Spirit to bring about true salvation.
Romans 6:5
“For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his.”
This verse illustrates the profound connection between baptism and our identification with Christ. As we are united with Him in His death through baptism, we are also united with Him in His resurrection.
Baptism serves as a powerful symbol of our union with Christ, pointing to the hope of eternal life. It signifies the reality of our spiritual death to sin and the promise of sharing in the glorious resurrection to come.
Acts 9:18
“Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized.”
After Saul’s encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, he experienced a physical and spiritual transformation. His blindness was healed, and he responded to his newfound faith by being baptized.
Saul’s immediate baptism illustrates the natural and immediate response of obedience and gratitude towards God for His transformative work in our lives. Baptism becomes an act of joyful surrender, publicly proclaiming our faith in Christ and embracing the new life He offers.
Acts 22:16
“And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.”
In this verse, Ananias exhorts Saul (later known as the apostle Paul) to rise, be baptized, and have his sins washed away. Through baptism, believers experience the cleansing and purification of their sins, receiving the forgiveness and grace of God.
Baptism also serves as a tangible reminder of our reliance on Christ and our ongoing need to call on His name for salvation, forgiveness, and guidance in our daily walk with Him.
Acts 16:33
“At that hour of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds; then immediately he and all his household were baptized.”
In this verse, the jailer responded to the gospel message proclaimed by Paul and Silas. His act of washing their wounds and subsequent baptism symbolize his repentance and conversion to Christianity.
Baptism signifies personal transformation and the willingness to turn away from sin. It signifies a new life in Christ, both for the individual and their household. It represents the forgiveness of sins and the start of a fresh journey of faith.
Acts 8:12
“But when they believed Philip as he proclaimed the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.”
This verse demonstrates the correlation between belief in the gospel and baptism. When the Samaritans believed Philip’s message about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized as an outward symbol of their newfound faith.
Baptism serves as an essential step in response to the gospel, publicly identifying with Christ and His redemptive work. It marks the beginning of a life devoted to following Him and serves as a testimony to the transforming power of the gospel.
Acts 10:48
“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.”
In this instance, Peter witnesses the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Cornelius and his household. Acknowledging this manifestation of the Spirit, Peter commands their baptism in the name of Jesus Christ.
Baptism denotes the initiation of the believer into the community of believers, signifying their acceptance into the body of Christ. It is a visible expression of faith, a response to God’s grace, and an act of obedience to the teachings of Christ.
1 Corinthians 1:14-16
“I thank God that I did not baptize any of you except Crispus and Gaius, so no one can say that you were baptized in my name. (Yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas; beyond that, I don’t remember if I baptized anyone else.)”
As evidence of the early Christian practice of baptism, Paul mentions some individuals and households he baptized in this passage. He emphasizes that baptism is not a personal loyalty to the one who baptizes but a commitment to Christ.
Baptism is a distinct act, apart from the personality or identity of the one performing it. It is a symbolic act connecting believers to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and their identification with Him.