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What does the Bible say about baptism?

Bible Topic · WEB

The Bible teaches that baptism is Christ’s appointed sign of union with him, cleansing from sin, entrance into the visible church, and new life received through faith. Jesus commands his disciples to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19), and the apostles call repentant believers to baptism (Acts 2:38, 2:41). Baptism visibly portrays dying and rising with Christ (Romans 6:3-4) and points to the saving appeal of a conscience toward God through Jesus’ resurrection (1 Peter 3:21). While Scripture speaks strongly of its blessings, baptism itself does not save apart from Christ and faith; it is God’s covenant sign, confirming the gospel promise to believers.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Acts 2:38

    Peter said to them, "Repent, and be baptized, everyone of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

  • Acts 22:16

    Now why do you wait? Arise, be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.'

  • 1 Peter 3:21

    This is a symbol of baptism, which now saves you-- not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ,

  • John 3:5

    Jesus answered, "Most assuredly I tell you, unless one is born of water and spirit, he can't enter into the Kingdom of God!

  • Mark 16:16

    He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who disbelieves will be condemned.

  • 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,

  • 1 Corinthians 12:13

    For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether bond or free; and were all given to drink into one Spirit.

  • Romans 6:4

    We were buried therefore with him through baptism to death, that just like Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life.

  • Acts 2:41

    Then those who gladly received his word were baptized. There were added that day about three thousand souls.

  • Romans 6:3-4

    [3] Or don't you know that all we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? [4] We were buried therefore with him through baptism to death, that just like Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life.

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