As a born-again Christian, born and raised in a family of pastors, I have a deep appreciation of Baptism. Through Baptism, we get to start our Christian journey just like Jesus’ first Baptism by John the Baptist before starting his mission. I have been reading the Bible to understand more about Baptism and noted that it has been mentioned in so many Bible verses. So, how many times is Baptism mentioned in the Bible?
The number of times that the word baptism is mentioned in the Bible varies depending on the version of the Bible. For example, in the International Standard Version, Baptism is mentioned 14 times; in King James Version, it is mentioned 22 times, and in Holman Christian Standard Bible, it is mentioned 20 times.
In this article, I invite you to join me as we delve into the topic of the mention of Baptism in the Bible. We will also uncover answers to questions such as what the Bible says about Baptism and who was baptized twice in the Bible. We will also learn whether the Bible says we need to be baptized and Bible verses that mention Baptism, so read till the end.
What is Baptism in the Bible?
In the Bible, Baptism is articulated as an identification with Christ’s death and resurrection. According to Romans 6:3-11, the Bible implies that anyone who has been baptized in Jesus’ name is also baptized in Jesus’ Death. Therefore, Christians learn that Baptism is believing that Jesus died for the sin of humanity and was resurrected to defeat death. It is a personal identification with Jesus Christ. Through Baptism, we are connected to Jesus through our faith in Him and his love for us. Also, through Baptism, we receive eternal life because if we have died in Christ, we believe that just like Jesus lives after death, we shall also rise and live forever in the Kingdom of God.
What does the Bible say about Baptism?
The Bible says that everyone is baptized in one spirit. According to 1 Corinthians 12:13, the Bible implies that we are all baptized in one spirit, whether slaves or those with freedom; we all receive the one spirit. From this verse, Christians believe that we are all baptized in the Holy Spirit. It does not matter who you are because if you believe and get baptized, God will grant you the Holy Spirit to guide you in His ministry.
The Bible also says that only those who believe and are baptized will be saved. According to Mark 16:16, the Bible implies that whoever believes and is baptized will receive salvation, but those who do not believe will be condemned. Therefore, Christians learn that they need to have faith in Christ Jesus and get baptized just like He was baptized for them to receive salvation.
Why do we need to be baptized according to the Bible?
First, we need to be baptized because Christ ordained Baptism according to the Bible. According to Matthew 28:18-20, the Bible implies that Jesus told his disciples to go to all nations and make disciples while baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and to teach them to follow the commandments of Christ Jesus and He will be with everyone till the end. Therefore, the last instruction that Jesus gave his disciples before he ascended to heaven was for his people to be baptized, which shows the importance of us getting baptized.
Second, Baptism is the entrance into the Christianity Family. In Christianity, we are all brothers and sisters through Christ. Therefore, new believers need to be baptized to be unified in this family. According to Ephesians 4:4-6, the Bible implies that Paul said that just like one is called to one hope, there is only one body and one faith, one Baptism, one love, and one spirit, and one God who is all over the world. Therefore, Baptism is the beginning of faith to serve our one and only God.
Does the Bible say you need to be baptized?
The Bible does not specifically mention that one needs to be baptized. However, as Christians, we are supposed to live like Jesus did when he was on earth. This is because Jesus led a righteous life according to the will of God. Therefore, we need to be baptized because Jesus was also baptized before he started his mission. According to Luke 3:21-22, the Bible implies that when John the Baptist was baptizing people, Jesus was also baptized, and when He prayed, Heaven opened, and a voice was heard saying that Jesus was the son of God whom he loves and is pleased with. Therefore, Jesus before Jesus started the mission that God sent him to do, he was baptized, which means that we all need to be baptized just like Jesus was baptized.
What are the baptisms mentioned in the Bible?
The Baptism of Moses
According to 1 Corinthians 10:1–3, the Bible states that Israelites were baptized into Moses in the sea and the cloud. Paul tells the people that they should not be ignorant of the fact that because the Israelites were identified with Moses and his deliverance, they got to receive God’s miracles. Paul was trying to show the people that they should also follow Jesus to receive the miracle of salvation, just like the people of Israel got saved through Moses.
The Baptism of John
According to Mark 1:4, the Bible mentions that John the Baptist preached about the repentance of sins and baptized people in preparation for the coming of the Messiah. Therefore, all those who received John’s Baptist showed that they believed his teaching and were ready to confess their sins for God to forgive them.
The Baptism of Jesus
In Matthew 3:13–17, the Bible mentions that Jesus went to John the Baptist and got baptized in water. In so doing, Jesus identified himself with the sinful nature of Human beings. Even though Jesus did not have sins to repent of, to put his stamp on John’s ministry and also started with his mission. In verse 14, the Bible implies that Jesus said that it is proper to receive Baptism to fulfill all righteousness.
The Baptism of Fire
In Matthew 3:11–12, the Bible says that John said that Jesus would baptize people with fire. This means that Jesus would bring judgment to the world, as it is suggested in John 5:22. Also, according to Revelation 20:15, the Bible implies that those judged by Jesus will be thrown into a lake of fire.
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit
In Matthew 3:11, the Bible mentions that John prophesied that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit. This is a spiritual baptism that connects the followers of Christ Jesus with the Holy Spirit and brings them salvation. According to 1 Corinthians 12:13, the Bible implies that we are all baptized into one spirit for us to get to form one body.
Bible Verses about Baptism
Galatians 3:26-27 mentions that through faith in Christ Jesus, we are God’s children because when we are baptized in Christ, we clothe ourselves with Christ.
Matthew 28:19 says that Jesus told his followers to go to all nations and make disciples by baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
1 Peter 3:21 states that the water in which we are baptized saves us not by removing dirt from our body but by giving us a clear conscience towards God and through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Acts 2:38 mentions that Peter told the people they should all repent and be baptized in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins and for them to receive the Holy Spirit.
Romans 6:3 says that all those who have been baptized in Jesus have also been baptized in His death.
Acts 2:41 says that those who heard what he taught were baptized, and the number increased by about three thousand that day.
Who Was Baptized Twice in the Bible?
According to Acts 19, the Bible mentions that a group of people was baptized twice by both John the Baptist and Paul. The Bible narrates that when Paul was at Ephesus, he met a group of people and asked them whether they received the Holy Spirit. However, the people told him that they had not heard about the Holy Spirit, which made Paul ask them what Baptism they had received. They said that they got baptized by John the Baptist.
Therefore, Paul explained to them that John’s Baptism was about repentance, and he told the people to believe in the Baptism of Jesus Christ. Therefore, this group of people got baptized again in the name of Jesus, and they received the Holy Spirit.
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
Joseph,I appreciate your fervor for the Lord, but don’t let those college professors lead you astray from the scripture. What Jesus said in Matthew 28 was a command. Likewise in acts 2:38 Peter commanded them to “ repent and be baptized ,everyone of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of your sins and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” As you have already said , it was the way it was done in the first century, and when they received the Holy Spirit. I fear to stand in front of a Holy God , having changed His very Words. God Bless!