What does the Bible say about baptism and salvation?
Bible Topic · WEB
The Bible teaches that salvation is God’s gracious gift received through faith in Christ, and baptism is the God-given sign and seal of that saving union, not a work that earns salvation. Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16, and 1 Peter 3:21 closely connect baptism with forgiveness and salvation because baptism visibly portrays cleansing through Christ and appeals to God through faith. Yet Ephesians 2:8-9 and Titus 3:5 make clear that we are saved by God’s mercy, not by our own deeds. Jesus calls for faith and baptism in Mark 16:16, while John 3:5 points to the Spirit’s renewing work. Baptism marks believers as joined to Christ and his church, as Galatians 3:27, 1 Corinthians 12:13, and Acts 2:41 show.
Top passages, ranked by readers
Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible
- Acts 2:38 3 votes
Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
- 1 Peter 3:21 3 votes
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,
- Acts 22:16 3 votes
Now why do you wait? Arise, be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’
- Mark 16:16 3 votes
He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who disbelieves will be condemned.
- Ephesians 2:8-9 2 votes
for by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast.
- John 3:5 2 votes
Jesus answered, “Most certainly I tell you, unless one is born of water and Spirit, he can’t enter into God’s Kingdom.
- Titus 3:5 2 votes
not by works of righteousness which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy, he saved us through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit,
- 1 Corinthians 12:13 2 votes
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.
- Galatians 3:27 2 votes
For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ.
- Acts 2:41 2 votes
Then those who gladly received his word were baptized. There were added that day about three thousand souls.
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