Bible Verses and Readings for Baptism

The sacrament of Baptism, which initiates us into Christian life, draws from many profound Scripture passages. Below are liturgical options for baptismal celebrations.

The Liturgy of the Word for Baptism

The baptismal liturgy includes three Scripture readings:

1. First Reading (Old Testament or Epistle)

2. Responsorial Psalm

3. Gospel Reading

First Reading Options

1. Exodus 17:3-7
   "I will be standing there in front of you on the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will flow from it for the people to drink."

2. Isaiah 49:13-16
   "See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands."

3. Ezekiel 36:24-28
   "I will sprinkle clean water upon you to cleanse you from all your impurities."

4. Romans 6:3-5
   "Through baptism into His death we were buried with Christ, so that just as Christ was raised from the dead, we too might live in newness of life."

5. Galatians 3:26-28
   "For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ."

6. Ephesians 4:4-6
   "One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all."

Psalm Options

1. Psalm 23
   "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want."

2. Psalm 27
   "The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom should I fear?"

3. Psalm 103
   "The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love."

Gospel Options

1. Matthew 28:18-20
   "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."

2. Mark 10:13-16
   "Let the children come to me; do not prevent them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."

3. John 3:5
   "No one can enter the kingdom of God without being born of water and Spirit."

4. John 4:13-14
   "The water I shall give will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

After Baptism: Living the Call to Holiness

Baptism is only the beginning! Continue your journey with:

• Saints Who Lived Their Baptismal Promises

• Prayer with the Holy Family

• Programs to Deepen Your Faith

FAQ About Bible Verses on Baptism

1. Which Bible verse speaks about water baptism?

John the Baptist refers to water baptism in Matthew 3:11:
"I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me comes one who is more powerful than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire."

2. What is the Bible verse about baptism in the Holy Spirit?

Several New Testament passages describe this spiritual renewal. The most striking example is the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (Acts 2). Jesus foretold this in Acts 1:4–5:
"On one occasion, while He was eating with them, He gave them this command: 'Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.'"

3. What was the first baptism in the Bible?

Ritual washings existed in Judaism before Jesus’ baptism, but Christian baptism—in the Spirit (not just water)—originates from Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan:
"As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on Him. And a voice from heaven said, 'This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.'" (Matthew 3:16–17)