Baptism is a sacred act in Christianity, symbolizing a commitment to God. The Bible teaches that baptism is done with others, often in a church setting, as a public declaration of faith. Self-baptism is not addressed, as baptism is typically a shared experience, representing unity with the Christian community and faith in God.
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What Does The Bible Say About Self Baptism
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.
This verse emphasizes the importance of baptism as a response to repentance and a means of receiving forgiveness and the gift of the Holy Spirit. It shows that baptism is not just a symbolic act, but a transformative experience that brings about spiritual rebirth.
Mark 16:16
Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.
Here, Jesus clearly states the link between belief and baptism in the context of salvation. Baptism is closely tied to faith, and it serves as a public declaration of one’s belief in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Acts 22:16
And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.
This verse highlights the transformative power of baptism in washing away sins and calling upon the name of the Lord. It emphasizes the urgency and importance of being baptized as a step towards spiritual cleansing and renewal.
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.
These verses beautifully illustrate the symbolism of baptism as a participation in Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection. By identifying with Christ in baptism, we are also united with Him in His new life, experiencing transformation and spiritual rebirth.
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 further emphasizes the spiritual union with Christ that takes place through baptism. It highlights the role of faith in apprehending and experiencing the transformative power of baptism, as it is through faith in God’s working that we are raised with Christ to new life.
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 narrates the encounter between Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch, showcasing the immediate response to the opportunity for baptism. It demonstrates that once a person understands the significance of baptism and has a genuine desire to be baptized, nothing should hinder or delay them from taking that step.
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.
These verses, often referred to as the Great Commission, highlight the importance of baptism in the process of making disciples. Baptism is a key aspect of discipleship, being done in the name of the Triune God, and it is closely connected to teaching obedience to Christ’s commands.
Galatians 3:27
For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
This verse emphasizes the transformative nature of baptism, describing it as a clothing oneself with Christ. It speaks to the union and identification that takes place through baptism, as believers become united with Christ and participate in His nature.
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.
This verse clarifies that baptism is not merely an external washing, but a symbol that signifies a pledge of a clear conscience toward God. Baptism represents the salvation brought about by the resurrection of Jesus Christ, demonstrating our faith and commitment to Him.
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. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.
This passage recounts the conversion of the Gentiles in Cornelius’ household and the confirmation of their eligibility for baptism. It highlights the unity in the receiving of the Holy Spirit and showcases the subsequent obedience of being baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.
John 3:5
Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.”
Here, Jesus emphasizes the necessity of being born of water and the Spirit in order to enter the kingdom of God. While the exact meaning of being born of water is debated, many scholars interpret it as referencing the cleansing and renewing power of baptism.
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.
This verse highlights the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in the process of baptism, uniting believers from diverse backgrounds into one body. Baptism serves as a unifying experience, emphasizing the equality and unity of all believers in Christ.
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.
This verse recounts the conversion and subsequent baptism of the Philippian jailer and his household. It showcases the immediacy and significance of baptism as an expression of faith and obedience, following a genuine encounter with the message of salvation.
Ephesians 4:5
one Lord, one faith, one baptism;
This powerful statement emphasizes the essential unity and oneness that exists among believers through one Lord, one faith, and one baptism. Baptism is a unifying experience that transcends individual differences and serves as a common ground for all who belong to the body of Christ.
Acts 9:18
Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized,
In this verse, we witness the immediate response of Saul (later known as Paul) to his miraculous encounter with the resurrected Jesus. The act of baptism follows the restoration of his sight and signifies his faith and willingness to submit to the Lordship of Christ.
Acts 19:5
On hearing this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.
This verse depicts the response of individuals upon receiving the full understanding and revelation of the message of Jesus Christ. The act of baptism becomes a natural and essential step in their journey of faith, solidifying their commitment to Jesus as their Lord.
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.
This verse highlights the widespread impact of Paul’s teaching and the resulting faith and baptism of both Crispus and many Corinthians. It underscores the connection between belief and baptism, demonstrating that true faith in the Lord naturally leads to the act of baptism.
Matthew 3:13-17
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.”
This notable event in the life of Jesus showcases the example he set by being baptized by John. Jesus’ baptism was an important step in fulfilling God’s righteousness and it highlights the significance of baptism as an act of obedience and affirmation of one’s identity as a beloved child of God.
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,
This verse emphasizes that the act of baptism is not a means of salvation by self-righteous works, but rather a result of God’s mercy and grace. It underscores the role of the Holy Spirit in the process of baptism, bringing about rebirth and renewal in the life of a believer.
1 Corinthians 1:17
For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power.
In this verse, Paul clarifies that his primary mission was to proclaim the gospel, rather than focus solely on baptizing. This highlights the importance of understanding the significance and purpose of baptism within the broader context of the gospel message, ensuring that it does not overshadow the power of the cross of Christ.
Matthew 28:19
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,
This verse reiterates the command given by Jesus to His followers to make disciples of all nations, which includes baptizing them in the name of the Triune God. Baptism is an essential component of the discipleship process, signifying the new identity and allegiance of a believer within the family of God.