What Does the Bible Say About Baptism?
What Does the Bible Say About Baptism? Baptism is the public declaration of faith in Christ through water immersion, symbolizing the believer's identification with His death, burial, and resurrection.
Key verse: Romans 6:4 (KJV)
Baptism is the public declaration of faith in Christ through water immersion, symbolizing the believer's identification with His death, burial, and resurrection.
Baptism is the public declaration of faith in Christ through water immersion, symbolizing the believer's identification with His death, burial, and resurrection.
"Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life." — Romans 6:4 (KJV)
Meaning
Plain-language explanation
In Context
Surrounding KJV scripture
Related Verses
Cross-reference scriptures
The Biblical Answer
Jesus was baptized by John (Matthew 3:13-17) and commanded His followers to baptize (Matthew 28:19). In Acts, baptism immediately followed conversion (Acts 2:41, 8:36-38, 16:33). Paul explained its symbolism: 'buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead... we also should walk in newness of life' (Romans 6:4). Christians differ on mode (immersion vs. sprinkling), subjects (believers only vs. including infants), and necessity (essential for salvation vs. an act of obedience). Most agree baptism doesn't save but publicly identifies the believer with Christ and His church. It is an act of obedience that pictures an inward reality—the old self buried, the new self raised with Christ.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Death?
Biblical perspective on death, the afterlife, and the hope of eternal life through Christ.
Key Scripture References
"Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."
"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."
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What is the Great Commission?
The Great Commission is Jesus' command to His disciples to go into all the world, make disciples of every nation, baptize them, and teach them to obey His commands.
What Is Repentance?
Repentance is a genuine change of mind and heart about sin, turning away from it and toward God.
What Does 'Saved by Grace Through Faith' Mean?
It means salvation is God's free gift, not earned by good works — received through personal trust in Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross.
Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?
The Bible presents the resurrection as historical fact, supported by eyewitness testimony, an empty tomb, and transformed lives.
Is Jesus God?
Yes — the Bible teaches that Jesus is fully God and fully man, the second person of the Trinity.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
Related Reading
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What Does the Bible Say About Baptism?
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Bible Verses About Water Baptism
10 curated KJV verses
The Baptism of Jesus
Matthew 3:13–17; Mark 1:9–11; Luke 3:21–22 • identity
Baptism (βάπτισμα (Baptisma))
Immersion in water as a sign of repentance, cleansing, and new life in Christ
Read it in context
The answer above sits inside Romans. The 365-day chronological plan reads it in the order the events happened.
Read Romans on day 334 of the chronological Bible reading planKeep the verses to hand
Every verse quoted in “What Does the Bible Say About Baptism?” comes from the King James Version, free to download and print.
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