What Does the Bible Say About Baptism? 7 Verses Every Christian Should Know

The baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist is a major event in the life of Jesus which is described in three of the gospels: Matthew, Mark and Luke. It is celebrated in the Catholic Church as well as the Anglican and Lutheran Churches on the first Sunday following The Epiphany of Our Lord (January 6).

Baptism symbolizes cleansing and accepting Jesus Christ as our true Lord and Savior. It is a testimony of our commitment to God. Submerging people under water and rising from beneath it symbolizes the way Christ rose again after His death.

The ceremony of Baptism is performed by most Christian churches and denominations which conveys that the person being baptized has become a follower of Jesus.

In the Old Testament, a similar washing ceremony was done when priests were ordained. Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist before he began his ministry. The usual form of baptism among the earliest Christians was for the person to be immersed totally or partially. However, sprinkling, or pouring, was also practiced at an early day with sick and dying persons when total or partial immersion was not practical.

7 Bible Verses About Baptism

Here are seven of our favorite Bible Verses about Baptism:

Jeremiah 29:11

“For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good, to give you a future and a hope.”

Proverbs 31:25

She is clothed with strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future. When she speaks her words are wise and she give instructions with kindness.”

John 3:7

“You must be born again.”

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.”

Acts 2:38

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”

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.”

Matthew 3:16-17

“And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.’” ,

Bible Verses for a Christening or Child's Baptism

Looking for a verse about christening to write in a card? These child baptism Bible verses are short, tender, and perfect for a baptism card, an invitation, or an engraving:

• Let the little children come to me. Matthew 19:14
• Before I formed you in the womb I knew you. Jeremiah 1:5
• For this child I prayed. 1 Samuel 1:27

Baptism Verses for Adults

For a believer's baptism, these scriptures on baptism speak to a faith chosen freely. Romans 6:4 speaks of being buried with Christ through baptism and raised to live a new life. Galatians 3:27 says that all who were baptized into Christ have clothed themselves with Christ. And 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares that anyone in Christ is a new creation.

A Baptism Gift from the Holy Land

A verse in a card lasts a day. A gift from Bethlehem lasts a lifetime. See our baptism gift guide or shop baptism gifts hand carved in the Holy Land, including guardian angel statues that watch over a child's room for years to come.

The Baptism of Jesus Hand Carved Wooden Statue

“Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” (Mark 1:11). This handmade olive wood carving in Bethlehem, the Holy Land is uniquely carved to represent the Baptism of Jesus Christ in Jordan River by John the Baptist. This olive wood statue is a great piece to represent the priceless and significant meaning of the Baptism. It is to identify us with Christ. It announces to others that we have made a decision to accept and follow the Lord our savior. Keep this handmade olive wood statue in your house, work, school or office and enjoy the blessings of being a Christian.

We, the Bethlehem Handicrafts’ team, are so proud to put the Holy Land in your hand by giving you a variety of the best and the most outstanding original Bethlehem’s olive wood carvings with the best quality made in the Holy Land.

Made by Christian Hands. Loved by Christian Hearts.

Read Now: The Baptism of the Lord | Bethlehem Handicrafts

What does the Bible say about baptism?

Taken together, these verses show baptism as a command and a promise. In Matthew 28:19 Jesus sends the disciples to baptize "in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." In Acts 22:16 Ananias tells Paul, "Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away." In Colossians 2:12 Paul describes it as being "buried with him in baptism and raised with him through your faith." Baptism is a burial and resurrection with Christ, a sign of faith in Jesus, and the moment the Church welcomes a new believer. That is why so many families mark it with a cross or rosary hand carved in Bethlehem, a gift that lasts a lifetime.