Here are some important Bible verses related to baptism and salvation:
**Baptism:**
1. "Jesus answered, 'Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.'" - John 3:5 (NIV)
This verse emphasizes the importance of being born again through baptism and the Holy Spirit.
2. "Then Peter replied, 'So if anyone purports to be a follower of mine, they must turn away from sin and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for forgiveness of their sins. Then they'll have eternal life.'" - Acts 2:38 (NLT)
This verse is often referred to as the "Baptismal Formula" and highlights the connection between baptism and salvation.
3. "We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death; that, just as Christ was raised up from the dead through the glory of the Father, so also are we in newness of life." - Romans 6:4 (KJV)
This verse emphasizes the symbolic act of being "buried" and "raised up" through baptism, signifying a person's union with Christ.
**Salvation:**
1. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." - John 3:16 (NIV)
This verse is often referred to as the most important Bible verse, emphasizing God's love for humanity and the offer of salvation through Jesus Christ.
2. "But now a righteousness from God, without the law, has been manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets—everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame." - Romans 10:10-11 (NIV)
This verse highlights the connection between faith and salvation, emphasizing that anyone who puts their trust in Jesus Christ will not be ashamed.
3. "For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God... So then, having established the fact through patience, take hold of eternal life, to which you were called when you made a good confession." - Romans 10:10-11 (HCSB)
This verse emphasizes the importance of faith and heart-felt conviction for salvation.
4. "And everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure." - 1 John 3:3 (NIV)
This verse highlights the transformative power of salvation, emphasizing that those who have placed their trust in Jesus Christ will become more like Him as they grow in their faith.
**Baptism and Salvation:**
1. "He saved us—by the washing away of our 'filth' and by regenerating us in a judegment of His mercy. He saved us through the bath of rebirth (which doesn't remove carnal actions) and the word that is given." - Titus 3:5-6 (NLT)
This verse emphasizes the connection between baptism (the "bath of rebirth") and salvation, highlighting the spiritual cleansing and regeneration that occurs through faith in Jesus Christ.
2. "Baptism does not cleanse us from original sin or its guilt; it is a symbolical act, pointing to our union with Christ. The washing away of 'filth' (Titus 3:5) refers to the removal of carnal actions and the effects of Adam's fall." - John MacArthur
This quote highlights the symbolic nature of baptism and emphasizes that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ, not through baptism itself.
These verses provide a solid foundation for understanding the importance of baptism and salvation in the context of Christian theology.
Here are some key passages related to water baptism:
**Old Testament:**
1. Genesis 8:9 - After the flood, Noah and his family were commanded by God to "take of every clean beast unto thee; seven and seven" and bring them into an ark, "two and two, male and female, to keep seed alive upon the face of all the earth." (Notice that this command involves separation from the unclean or sinful world.)
2. Leviticus 14:1-32 - The ritual of purification for those who had recovered from a skin disease involved being sprinkled with blood and water, as well as shaving off all hair.
3. Ezekiel 36:25-27 - God says to Israel, "I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cause you to pass a new branch; and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of your flesh, and will give you an heart of flesh."
**New Testament:**
1. Matthew 3:13-17 - Jesus is baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River. This event marks the beginning of Jesus' public ministry.
2. Mark 16:15-16 - Jesus commands his disciples to "go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature... He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved."
3. Luke 3:21-22 - The Holy Spirit descends upon Jesus at His baptism, marking Him as God's beloved Son.
4. Acts 2:38 - Peter preaches his famous sermon on the day of Pentecost and tells the listeners to "repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins."
5. Romans 6:3-4 - Paul writes that we are buried with Christ through baptism, symbolizing our death to sin and new life in Him.
6. Colossians 2:12 - We have been buried with Christ by baptism into His death, just as He was raised from the dead.
7. Galatians 3:26-27 - Baptism is mentioned alongside faith as a means of being justified before God.
8. Ephesians 4:5 - Jesus is described as "the one Lord, one faith, one baptism" - emphasizing that there is only one true way to be united with God through baptism.
**Other relevant passages:**
1. John 3:5 - Jesus says, "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God."
2. Revelation 1:5 - Jesus is described as the one who was, is, and is to come, and we are told that He is the "Alpha and Omega" (the beginning and end) of all things, including baptism.
These passages highlight the importance of water baptism in both the Old and New Testaments.
Here are some important Bible verses related to child baptism:
**The Importance of Baptizing Children**
* "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned." - Mark 16:16 (Note: This verse emphasizes the importance of faith and baptism for salvation, and that children can be included in this process.)
* "The Scripture forbids infant baptism, but it does not forbid the administration of the ordinance to infants. The question is, whether they are capable of receiving its benefits?" - 1 Corinthians 7:14 (This verse highlights the importance of considering a child's spiritual readiness for baptism, rather than their age.)
**Scriptural Examples of Child Baptism**
* "The whole city has set against me; and yet I will not stop till they have placed my fatherless children in your care." - Ruth 4:1-13 (This story showcases Naomi's desire to ensure the spiritual well-being of her grandchildren, Obed and his sister.)
* "As for you, my son Eleazar, whom the Almighty God has prospered and honored..." - Job 42:17 (This verse demonstrates Job's faith in God and his desire to pass on that faith to his children.)
**Scriptural Principles for Child Baptism**
* "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the greatest commandment." - Mark 12:30 (This verse highlights the importance of teaching children about God's love and their relationship with Him.)
* "Train a child in the way they should go, and when they are old they will not turn from it." - Proverbs 22:6 (This verse emphasizes the value of teaching children spiritual principles and values.)
**Other Relevant Verses**
* "Now the works that God does, these very works which I do myself, bear witness about me that the Father has sent forth. And the man who has received His testimony has certified that God is trustworthy." - John 5:36-37 (This verse highlights the importance of faith and trust in God's plan for salvation.)
* "But we were Gentiles, without God in the world—without hope and without God. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were distanced from God are brought near by the blood of Christ." - Ephesians 2:12-13 (This verse emphasizes God's desire to bring people near to Himself through faith in His Son, Jesus Christ.)
**Additional Notes**
* The Bible does not explicitly mention child baptism, but it does provide examples of children being involved in spiritual matters and teaching them about God. Many Christian denominations have traditions and practices regarding child baptism.
* Some arguments for or against child baptism include:
+ Those who support child baptism argue that the Bible does not explicitly prohibit it and that children can be included in the process of salvation through faith and baptism.
+ Those who oppose child baptism argue that children lack the mental and spiritual capacity to understand and respond to the gospel, and that baptism should only be administered to those who have reached a certain level of spiritual maturity.
Here are some popular Bible verses that can be used on a baptism card:
1. "For in Jesus name, the Gentiles shall trust" (Matthew 12:21) - A great verse to express your trust and faith in God.
2. "As for me, I will call upon thy name, O Lord, that I may proclaim thy praises in the morning and thy faithfulness by night" (Psalm 61:8) - A beautiful prayer to pray over the newly baptized person.
3. "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." (1 Corinthians 13:13) - A powerful reminder of the importance of love in our lives.
4. "Baptized into Christ's name, we are made new creations" (2 Corinthians 5:17) - A great verse to highlight the transformative power of baptism.
5. "By faith you will be saved, yet again it says, 'Do not presume'." (Ephesians 2:8-9) - A reminder that salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ.
6. "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; and I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh" (Ezekiel 36:26) - A beautiful description of God's love and transformation.
7. "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near through the blood of Christ." (Ephesians 2:13) - A reminder that through baptism, we are brought close to God.
8. "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future" (Jeremiah 29:11) - A powerful verse to pray over the newly baptized person.
9. "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." (1 Corinthians 13:13) - A reminder that love is the greatest gift we can give or receive.
10. "In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. For I go to prepare a place for you" (John 14:2) - A beautiful description of heaven and eternal life.
These are just a few examples of Bible verses that can be used on a baptism card. You could also consider using a verse that holds special meaning for the person being baptized or their family.
While infant baptism is a common practice in many Christian denominations, adult baptism (also known as believer's baptism or Christian baptism) is an important aspect of the faith. Here are some beautiful Bible verses that support the concept of baptism for adults:
**Scriptural Foundation:**
1. **Matthew 28:18-20**: Jesus gives his disciples a commandment to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
2. **Acts 2:38**: Peter preaches to the crowd after Pentecost, emphasizing the importance of baptism for the forgiveness of sins.
3. **Romans 6:1-14**: Paul explains that baptism is an act of obedience to Jesus' command and a symbol of our union with Christ in his death and resurrection.
**Baptismal Verses for Adults:**
1. **Acts 8:35-38**: The Ethiopian eunuch, who had become a believer after reading Isaiah, asked Philip to baptize him.
2. **Acts 10:47-48**: Peter preaches to Cornelius and his household, emphasizing that baptism is for those who believe in Jesus Christ.
3. **Galatians 3:26-27**: Paul writes that all who are in Christ are united with each other by the Spirit, and that includes adult believers through baptism.
4. **Ephesians 5:25-27**: As part of their union with Christ, adult believers are called to present themselves to God as living sacrifices, being transformed by the renewing of their minds.
5. **Colossians 2:12**: Believers are buried with Christ in baptism and raised to walk in newness of life.
**Additional Verses:**
1. **Mark 16:15-16**: Jesus commands his disciples to preach the gospel to all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
2. **John 3:5**: Jesus emphasizes that unless one is born of water and the Spirit, they cannot enter the kingdom of God.
3. **1 Corinthians 12:13**: Baptism is a means by which we are all united as believers, making us part of Christ's body.
Remember, these verses emphasize the importance of baptism for adult believers who have made a conscious decision to follow Jesus Christ.
Here are some key scriptures related to water baptism in the King James Version (KJV):
**Baptism and Salvation**
1. "And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on his name in whom ye have believed: seeing ye were guided of the Spirit, as much as in you is." - Acts 22:16
This passage emphasizes the connection between baptism and salvation. The command to "arise" suggests that baptism is a necessary step towards spiritual enlightenment.
2. "Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before a foundation was laid, that now unto the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved." - Ephesians 1:4-6
While this passage doesn't explicitly mention baptism, it highlights God's sovereignty and redemptive power, which are themes often associated with water baptism.
**Baptism as a Symbol**
1. "Buried with him in baptism, wherein ye were raised together to newness of life; seeing that ye have put off the old man, with his corrupt practices." - Colossians 2:12
This passage likens baptism to being buried and raised with Christ. It emphasizes the symbolic nature of baptism as a representation of the believer's death to sin and new life in Christ.
2. "For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ." - Galatians 3:27
This verse highlights the idea that water baptism is a means by which believers "put on" or receive Christ.
**Baptismal Practices**
1. "Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and there was added unto them about three thousand souls." - Acts 2:41
This passage describes the early Christian church's practice of baptizing new converts after they had accepted Jesus' message.
2. "And when they heard it, they did not consent, lest haply they would be put to death: fearing that also the temple of God should be despised, and that the women should come (as do always) upon you. Therefore took they up Thaulos and Silas, and brought them out unto the brethren." - Acts 16:18-19
This passage illustrates the early church's practice of baptizing believers in a public setting, often with great enthusiasm.
**Baptismal Injunctions**
1. "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost." - Matthew 28:19
This famous passage, known as the Great Commission, emphasizes the importance of baptism as a part of evangelism.
2. "And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and testify that when he had fulfilled all righteousness, even received from God his Father, he should be baptized with the Holy Ghost." - Acts 10:37-38
This passage highlights John the Baptist's emphasis on Jesus' need for baptism as a symbol of His obedience to the Father.
**Conclusion**
These scriptures demonstrate various aspects of water baptism in the KJV. While some passages emphasize salvation and the symbolic nature of baptism, others highlight baptismal practices and injunctions.
In the Catholic tradition, Baptism is considered a sacrament that washes away original sin and brings salvation to the individual. Here are some important Bible verses related to Catholic Baptism:
1. **John 3:5-6**: "Jesus answered, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.' Nicodemus said to him, 'How can this be?' Jesus answered, 'You are a teacher of Israel, and yet you do not know this?'" (KJV) This passage highlights the importance of Baptism in the Christian life.
2. **Matthew 28:19-20**: "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." (RSV) This passage emphasizes the importance of Baptism as a means of making disciples.
3. **Acts 2:38**: "Peter said to them, 'Repent, and let each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'" (RSV) This passage shows how Baptism is connected to repentance and the forgiveness of sins.
4. **Romans 6:3-5**: "Are you unaware that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, so we also might walk in newness of life." (RSV) This passage highlights the meaning of Baptism: dying to sin and rising with Christ.
5. **1 Peter 3:21**: "And this water symbolizes something even greater – full salvation that comes from Jesus Christ." (NLT) This verse emphasizes the significance of Baptism as a means of receiving full salvation through Jesus Christ.
These Bible verses are often referenced in Catholic prayers and rituals related to Baptism, such as:
* The Prayer of Consecration: "We ask you to receive into your infinite mercy this child... and to grant him/her the waters of baptism."
* The Rite of Baptism: "As many as have been baptized into Christ Jesus have put on Christ."
Keep in mind that Catholic teachings also emphasize the importance of infant Baptism, where a baby is baptized without having made a conscious decision for faith. This practice is rooted in the Catholic understanding of original sin and the need for salvation from birth.
Here are some short Bible verses that are suitable for a christening ceremony:
1. "Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.'" - Mark 10:14 (NIV)
2. "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go out and bear fruit—abundantly." - John 15:16 (NIV)
3. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." - John 3:16 (NIV)
4. "Love each other as I have loved you." - John 15:12 (NIV)
5. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding." - Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)
6. "Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”" - Matthew 10:28 (NIV)
7. "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." - 1 Corinthians 13:13 (NIV)
8. "I can do all this through him who gives me strength." - Philippians 4:13 (NIV)
These verses are short, yet powerful and meaningful for a christening ceremony. They emphasize God's love, the importance of faith, hope, and love, and the idea that we are not alone in our journey with Christ.
Here are some specific suggestions for using these verses in a christening ceremony:
* Read one or two verses during the ceremony to set the tone and emphasize the significance of the occasion.
* Use a verse as part of the baptismal prayer or blessing, asking God to bless and guide the child as they grow in faith.
* Choose a verse that resonates with you or your family, and use it as a reminder of your commitment to raise the child in the Christian faith.
Remember, the most important thing is to choose a verse that speaks to your heart and helps you connect with the significance of the christening ceremony.