What Does the Bible Say About Baptism?
What Does the Bible Say About Baptism? Baptism is an outward act of obedience symbolizing a believer's identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. Jesus commanded it and was baptized Himself.
Key verse: Romans 6:4 (KJV)
Baptism is an outward act of obedience symbolizing a believer's identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. Jesus commanded it and was baptized Himself.
Baptism is an outward act of obedience symbolizing a believer's identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection. Jesus commanded it and was baptized Himself.
"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
Baptism is one of the most widely practiced Christian ordinances. Jesus was baptized by John in the Jordan (Matthew 3:13-17), and He commanded His followers to baptize disciples (Matthew 28:19). In the early church, baptism followed conversion (Acts 2:38, 8:36-38, 16:33). Romans 6:3-4 explains the symbolism: going under the water represents dying and being buried with Christ; coming up represents rising to new life. While Christians differ on the mode (immersion, sprinkling) and subjects (believers only vs. infants), all agree that baptism is an important public declaration of faith and obedience to Christ's command.
Topic Overview
What Does the Bible Say About Baptism?
What the Bible teaches about baptism, its meaning, and its importance for believers.
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."
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Related Questions
What Does the Bible Say About Communion?
Communion (the Lord's Supper) was instituted by Jesus at the Last Supper to remember His body broken and blood shed for the forgiveness of sins.
Who was John the Baptist?
John the Baptist was the prophetic forerunner of Jesus who prepared the way for Christ's ministry by preaching repentance and baptizing in the Jordan River.
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.
What Is the Trinity?
The Trinity is the doctrine that God exists as three persons — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — in one divine being.
Deep Dive Commentary
For a more in-depth study, read our verse-by-verse commentary:
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
What Is the Significance of Water Baptism?
Theology & Doctrine
What Is the Significance of Baptism?
Theology & Doctrine
What Is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit?
Theology & Doctrine
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Keep Going
Continue Exploring Scripture
You've found one resource — here are more ways to go deeper into God's Word.
Today's Verse
Start each day with a hand-picked KJV verse and reflection.
Verses by Topic
Find what the Bible says about love, anxiety, strength, and 500+ more topics.
Bible Miracles
Discover the signs and wonders of God recorded in Scripture.
Angels & Spiritual Warfare
Angels, demons, and the armor of God — what the KJV really teaches about the unseen battle.
Bible Genealogies & Family Trees
Visual KJV family trees — the line of Jesus, the sons of Noah, the twelve tribes, and more.
Women of the Bible
Eve, Sarah, Ruth, Esther, Mary — the matriarchs, prophetesses, queens, and disciples of Scripture.