Baptism and Forgiveness of Sins
Early Christian writers often connected baptism with the forgiveness or remission of sins. Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Tertullian, Cyprian, Clement of Alexandria, and Origen all speak this way. Key Bible passages include Acts 2:38, Mark 1:4, Luke 3:3, Titus 3:5, and Acts 22:16. Some cards are direct, while others are supporting or about John’s baptism and later disputes over baptism.
105 early-church witnesses · 194 source quotations · compared with Scripture
What did early Christians believe about remission of sins in baptism?
Early Christians widely taught that baptism was connected to the forgiveness or remission of sins. Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Clement of Alexandria, Tertullian, Cyprian, Origen, and others speak of baptism as the washing, laver, or water in which sins are forgiven, washed away, or remitted. The Bible passages most often tied to this are Acts 2:38, Mark 1:4, Luke 3:3, Titus 3:5, and Acts 22:16, which together give the basic pattern of repentance, baptism, and forgiveness.
The evidence is broad and early, though some cards are about John’s baptism, purification language, or anti-heresy disputes, so those are supportive rather than the main direct claim. Overall, the topic is strongly attested in early Christian writings, with a few passages using baptism language more indirectly or in argument against heretical groups. Many more early Christian quotations, Bible passages, and source links are gathered below so you can study the evidence for yourself.
Key Takeaways
- Many early Christian writers said baptism is linked to the washing away or remission of sins.
- Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Tertullian, Cyprian, and Origen all use this language.
- Acts 2:38, Mark 1:4, Luke 3:3, Titus 3:5, and Acts 22:16 are the main Bible passages tied to the topic.
Questions Answered by the Sources
Did early Christians say baptism brings forgiveness of sins?
Multiple early Christian writers explicitly connect baptism with remission, forgiveness, cleansing, or washing away sins. The evidence is broad across the 1st to 3rd centuries and includes both catechetical teaching and anti-heretical argument.
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Justin Martyr, The First Apology Direct teaching
...ity and ignorance, but may become children of choice and knowledge, and may obtain in the water the remission of sins previously committed, the name of God the Father and Lord of the universe is pronounced over the one who chooses to be born again and has repented of sins. The one who leads the person to be washed calls him by this name alone. For no one can speak the name of the ineffable God; and if anyone dares to claim that there is a name, they are consumed by a hopeless madness. This washing is called illumination because those who learn these things are enlightened in their understanding. And in the name of Jesus Christ, who was crucified under Pontius Pilate, and in the name of the Holy Ghost, who through the prophets foretold all things about Jesus, the one who is enlightened is washed.
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Irenaeus, Against Heresies: Book I Direct teaching
For the baptism instituted by the visible Jesus was for the remission of sins, but the redemption brought in by that Christ who descended upon Him, was for perfection;
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Tertullian, On Baptism Direct teaching
Happy is our sacrament of water, in that, by washing away the sins of our early blindness, we are set free and admitted into eternal life!
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Cyprian, Treatises Direct teaching
In the baptism of water is received the remission of sins, in the baptism of blood the crown of virtues.
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Origen, Commentary on John Direct teaching
...odily relief, yet also called those who were benefited by them to an exercise of faith. So also the washing with water, which is symbolic of the soul cleansing herself from every stain of wickedness, is no less in itself to him who yields himself to the divine power of the invocation of the Adorable Trinity, the beginning and source of divine gifts. For there are diversities of gifts. This view receives confirmation from the narrative recorded in the Acts of the Apostles, which shows the Spirit to have descended so plainly on those who receive baptism, after the water had prepared the way for Him in those who properly approached the rite. Simon Magus, astonished at what he saw, desired to receive this gift from Peter. But though it was a good thing he desired, he thought to attain it by the mammon of unrighteousness. We next remark in passing that the baptism of John was inferior to the baptism of Jesus which was given through His disciples. Those in Acts 19:2 who were baptized to John's baptism and had not heard whether there was a Holy Spirit were baptized again by the Apostle. Regeneration did not take place with John, but with Jesus through His disciples it does take place,
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Acts 2:38 Direct teaching
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.
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Acts 22:16 Direct teaching
And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’
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Titus 3:5 Supporting witness
he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit,
More related quotations from this section 14 shown
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Tertullian, On Baptism Direct teaching
But if repentance is a thing human, its baptism must necessarily be of the same nature: else, if it had been celestial, it would have given both the Holy Spirit and remission of sins.
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Origen, Commentary on John Direct teaching
For it is for forgiveness of sins that this washing is given.
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Hermas, The Shepherd (Pastor) Supporting witness
but they have remission of their previous sins.
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Origen, Commentary on John Supporting witness
Regeneration did not take place with John, but with Jesus through His disciples it does so, and what is called the laver of regeneration takes place with renewal of the Spirit;
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Theophilus of Antioch, To Autolycus Supporting witness
Moreover, the things proceeding from the waters were blessed by God, that this also might be a sign of men's being destined to receive repentance and remission of sins, through the water and laver of regeneration — as many as come to the truth, and are born again, and receive blessing from God.
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Theophilus of Antioch, To Autolycus Supporting witness
...man beings are meant to receive repentance and forgiveness of sins through the water and washing of regeneration—as many as come to the truth, are born again, and receive blessing from God. But the great sea creatures and the birds of prey are a likeness of greedy people and transgressors. For just as fish and birds are of one nature, some of them remain in their natural state and do no harm to those weaker than themselves, but keep the law of God and eat the seeds of the earth. Others, however, break the law of God, eat flesh, and injure those weaker than themselves. In the same way, the righteous, by keeping the law of God, bite and injure no one, but live in holiness and righteousness. But robbers, murderers, and godless people are like the great sea creatures, wild beasts, and birds of prey, because they, in effect, devour those weaker than themselves. Therefore, the race of fish and creeping things, though sharing in God's blessing, received no very special distinguishing property.
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Barnabas, The Epistle of Barnabas Supporting witness
Concerning the water, indeed, it is written, in reference to the Israelites, that they should not receive that baptism which leads to the remission of sins, but should procure another for themselves.
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Cyprian, Epistles Supporting witness
... Lord and His God is rewarded by Christ, and receives forgiveness of sins and the sanctification of baptism! But by what power can the one who denies God the Creator, the Father of Christ, receive in baptism the forgiveness of sins, since Christ received that very power, by which we are baptized and sanctified, from that same Father? He called the Father greater than Himself. He asked to be glorified by Him. He fulfilled His will even to obeying by drinking the cup and undergoing death. What else is this, then, except becoming a partner with blaspheming heretics, to wish to maintain and insist that one who blasphemes and sins seriously against the Father and the Lord and God of Christ can receive forgiveness of sins in the name of Christ? Moreover, what is this, and what kind of teaching is it, that the one who denies the Son of God does not have the Father, but the one who denies the Father should be thought to have the Son, although the Son Himself testifies and says, "No man can come to me except it were given to him of my Father." John 6:65 So it is clear that no forgiveness of sins can be received in baptism from the Son unless it is plain that the Father has granted it. Es
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Anonymous, Treatise on Re-Baptism Supporting witness
... them. Although they were already righteous and, as we have said, had been baptized with the Lord's baptism, just as the apostles themselves had been, yet on the night when He was arrested they are found to have all deserted Him. Even Peter himself, who had boasted that he would remain firm in his faith, and had most stubbornly resisted the prediction of the Lord Himself, still at last denied Him. This was so that it might be shown to us that whatever sins they had contracted in the meantime, and in whatever way, those same sins were without doubt put away by the baptism of the Holy Spirit, since afterward their faith was shown to be sincere. Nor, as I think, was it for any other reason that the apostles charged those whom they addressed in the Holy Spirit to be baptized in the name of Christ Jesus, except that the power of the name of Jesus, invoked upon any man in baptism, might give no small advantage toward obtaining salvation for the one being baptized, as Peter says in the Acts of the Apostles: "For there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved," Acts 4:12. The Apostle Paul also explains this, showing that God has exalted our Lord Jesus and
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Archelaus, Disputation with Manes Supporting witness
But if there is no baptism, neither will there be any remission of sins, but every man will die in his own sins.
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Anonymous, Treatise on Re-Baptism Supporting witness
And this remission of sins that woman also which was a sinner in the city obtained, to whom the Lord said, Your sins are forgiven you.
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Anonymous, Treatise on Re-Baptism Supporting witness
For our Lord says to the paralytic man, Be of good cheer, my son, your sins are forgiven you, Matthew 9:2 that He might show that hearts were purified by faith for the forgiveness of sins that should follow.
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Hermas, The Shepherd (Pastor) Supporting witness
...tinue my questions." He said, "Go on." And I said, "Sir, I heard some teachers say that there is no repentance except the one that happens when we go down into the water and receive forgiveness of our former sins." He said to me, "What you heard was sound teaching, for that is really so. For the person who has received forgiveness of sins ought not to sin anymore, but to live in purity. However, since you are asking carefully about everything, I will explain this to you also. I do not say it in order to give an excuse for error to those who are going to believe, or who have recently believed, in the Lord. For those who have now believed, and those who are going to believe, do not have repentance for sins, but they do have forgiveness of their previous sins. But for those who were called before these days, the Lord has appointed repentance. For the Lord, knowing the heart and knowing beforehand all things, knew the weakness of human beings and the many tricks of the devil, that he would bring some evil on the servants of God and would act wickedly toward them. Therefore the Lord, being merciful, had mercy on the work of His hand and appointed repentance for them. And He has given
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Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Supporting witness
Therefore, O bishop, judge with authority like God, yet receive those who repent, for God is a God of mercy. Rebuke those who sin. Warn those who have not turned back. Encourage those who stand firm to continue in their goodness. Receive those who repent, for the Lord God has promised with an oath to grant forgiveness to those who repent for the wrong things they have done. For He says through Ezekiel: "Speak to them, 'As I live,' says the Lord, 'I do not desire the death of a sinner, but that the wicked turn from his evil way and live. Therefore turn from your evil ways; for why will you die, O house of Israel?'" Ezekiel 33:11. Here the word gives hope to sinners, so that if they repent, they will have hope of salvation. Otherwise, out of despair, they might give themselves over to their transgressions. But having hope of salvation, they may be converted, and may pray to God with tears because of their sins, and may repent from their hearts, and so calm His displeasure toward them. Then they will receive pardon from Him, as from a merciful Father.
How did early Christians describe what baptism does?
Several sources describe baptism as washing, illumination, regeneration, cleansing, or the laver of new life. These texts support the idea that remission of sins was tied to baptism's cleansing and rebirth language, not merely to a verbal mention of the word baptism.
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Clement of Alexandria, The Instructor (Paedagogus) Direct teaching
...n? Clearly. Then He did not learn anything more from him? Certainly not. But is He perfected by the washing of baptism alone, and sanctified by the descent of the Spirit? So it is. The same also takes place in our case, and Christ became our example. Being baptized, we are illuminated. Being illuminated, we become sons. Being made sons, we are made perfect. Being made perfect, we are made immortal. "I," He says, "have said that you are gods, and all sons of the Highest." This work is called by various names: grace, illumination, perfection, and washing. It is called washing, because by it we cleanse away our sins. It is called grace, because by it the penalties that come from transgressions are remitted. It is called illumination, because by it that holy light of salvation is seen, that is, by it we see God clearly. Now we call that perfect which lacks nothing. For what is still lacking to the one who knows God? For it would truly be monstrous if that which is not complete should be called a gift, or act, of God's grace. Since He is perfect, He therefore gives perfect gifts. As at His command all things were made, so also when He merely wills to bestow grace, the perfecting of H
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Clement of Alexandria, The Instructor (Paedagogus) Direct teaching
... by human faith and divine grace, our transgressions being taken away by one Paeonian medicine, the baptism of the Word. We are washed from all our sins and are no longer entangled in evil. This is the one grace of illumination, that our characters are not the same as before our washing. And since knowledge rises up with illumination, shedding its beams around the mind, the moment we hear, we who were untaught become disciples. Does this, I ask, happen at the coming of this instruction? You cannot tell the time. For instruction leads to faith, and faith with baptism is trained by the Holy Spirit. That this faith is the one universal salvation of humanity, and that there is the same equality before the righteous and loving God, and the same fellowship between Him and all, the apostle showed most clearly when he spoke in this way: "Before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up to the faith which should afterwards be revealed, so that the law became our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith; but after that faith has come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster." Do you not hear that we are no longer under that law which came with fear, but
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Cyprian, Treatises Direct teaching
And because in baptism remission of sins is granted once for all, constant and ceaseless labour, following the likeness of baptism, once again bestows the mercy of God.
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Cyprian, Epistles Direct teaching
11. Since in baptism each person has his own sins forgiven, the Lord proves and declares in His Gospel that sins can be taken away only by those who have the Holy Spirit. For after His resurrection, when He sent out His disciples, He spoke to them and said, "As the Father has sent Me, even so I send you." And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone's sins, they will be forgiven; if you retain anyone's sins, they will be retained." John 20:21-23 In this place He shows that only the one who has the Holy Spirit can baptize and give forgiveness of sins. Moreover, John, who was to baptize Christ our Lord Himself, received the Holy Spirit beforehand while he was still in his mother's womb, so that it might be certain and clear that no one can baptize except those who have the Holy Spirit. Therefore those who support heretics or schismatics must answer us whether they have the Holy Spirit or not. If they have Him, why are hands laid on those who were baptized among them when they come to us, so that they may receive the Holy Spirit, since He must surely have been received there, where, if He was there, He could also be g
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Cyprian, Epistles Supporting witness
... proves that baptism is where the old man dies and the new man is born, saying, "He saved us by the washing of regeneration," Titus 3:5. But if regeneration is in the washing, that is, in baptism, how can heresy, which is not the spouse of Christ, give birth to sons for God through Christ? For it is the Church alone which, joined and united with Christ, spiritually bears sons, as the same apostle again says, "Christ loved the Church, and gave Himself for it, that He might sanctify it, cleansing it with the washing of water," Ephesians 5:25-26. If, then, she is the beloved and spouse who alone is sanctified by Christ, and alone is cleansed by His washing, it is clear that heresy, which is not the spouse of Christ, and cannot be cleansed or sanctified by His washing, cannot bear sons to God.
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Cyprian, Epistles Supporting witness
For the blessed apostle sets forth and proves that baptism is that wherein the old man dies and the new man is born, saying, He saved us by the washing of regeneration.
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Clement of Alexandria, The Instructor (Paedagogus) Supporting witness
This work is variously called grace, and illumination, and perfection, and washing: washing, by which we cleanse away our sins;
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Lactantius, The Divine Institutes Background
And this takes place when man, purified in the heavenly laver, lays aside his infancy together with all the pollution of his past life, and having received an increase of divine vigour, becomes a perfect and complete man.
What did early Christians say about John's baptism of repentance?
The supplied sources often use John's baptism as a biblical starting point for discussing repentance and remission of sins. Some writers treat it as preparatory or as a sign pointing forward to later Christian baptism.
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Apostolic Constitutions, Apostolic Constitutions Background
Now concerning baptism, O bishop or presbyter, we have already given instruction, and now we say this: you shall baptize as the Lord commanded us, saying, “Go and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things whatever I have commanded you,” Matthew 28:19. Baptize in the name of the Father who sent, of Christ who came, and of the Comforter who testified. But first you shall anoint the person with the holy oil, and afterward baptize him with water, and at the end you shall seal him with the ointment. In this way, the anointing with oil may be the participation of the Holy Spirit, the water the symbol of the death of Christ, and the ointment the seal of the covenants. But if there is neither oil nor ointment, water is enough for the anointing, for the seal, and for the confession of Him who is dead, or rather of the one dying together with Christ. But before baptism, let him who is to be baptized fast. For even the Lord, when He was first baptized by John and remained in the wilderness, afterward fasted forty days and forty nights. But He was baptized and then fasted, because He Himself had no nee
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Anonymous, Treatise on Re-Baptism Supporting witness
.... Further, as you are not ignorant, the Holy Spirit is found to have been given by the Lord without baptism of water to men who believe, as it is written in Acts of the Apostles in this way: “While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the word. And those of the circumcision who believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had also been poured out on the Gentiles. For they heard them speak in tongues, and they magnified God. Then Peter answered, ‘Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit as well as we?’ And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.” Acts 10:44-48 Peter also later taught us very fully about these same Gentiles, saying: “And He made no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.” Acts 15:9 And so there will be no doubt that men may be baptized with the Holy Spirit without water, since you see that these were baptized before they were baptized with water. In this way, the declarations of both John and of our Lord Himself were fulfilled, since they received the grace of the promise both witho
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Anonymous, Treatise on Re-Baptism Supporting witness
And for that reason, they who repent and are amended by the doctrine of the truth, and by their own faith, which subsequently has been improved by the purification of their heart, ought to be aided only by spiritual baptism, that is, by the imposition of the bishop's hands, and by the ministration of the Holy Spirit.
More related quotations from this section 12 shown
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Tertullian, On Baptism Supporting witness
And so the baptism of repentance Acts 19:4 was dealt with as if it were a candidate for the remission and sanctification shortly about to follow in Christ: for in that John used to preach baptism for the remission of sins, Mark 1:4 the declaration was made with reference to future remission;
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Mark 1:4 Supporting witness
John appeared, baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
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Luke 24:47 Supporting witness
and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.
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Acts 19:4 Supporting witness
Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.
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Luke 3:3 Supporting witness
And he went into all the region around the Jordan, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.
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Origen, Commentary on John Supporting witness
And he came into all the region round about Jordan preaching the baptism of repentance unto remission of sins;
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Hippolytus, Discourse on the Holy Theophany Supporting witness
I, O Lord, baptize with the baptism of repentance, and I cannot baptize those who come to me unless they first confess fully their sins.
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Anonymous, Treatise on Re-Baptism Supporting witness
14. And even up to this point, that whole heretical baptism may be amended, after some time has passed, if a man should survive and amend his faith. For our God, in the Gospel according to Luke, spoke to His disciples, saying, "But I have another baptism to be baptized with" (Luke 12:50). Also, according to Mark, He said with the same purpose to the sons of Zebedee, "Are you able to drink of the cup which I drink of, or to be baptized with the baptism with which I am baptized?" (Mark 10:38). For He knew that those men had to be baptized not only with water, but also in their own blood. So, being well baptized in this baptism only, they might attain the sound faith and the simple love of the laver. And, baptized in both ways, they might likewise, to the same extent, attain the baptism of salvation and glory. For what was said by the Lord, "I have another baptism to be baptized with," does not mean in this place a second baptism, as if there were two baptisms. Rather, it shows that there is also a baptism of another kind given to us, concurring to the same salvation. And it was fitting that both these kinds should first of all be initiated and sanctified by our Lord Himself, so that
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Anonymous, Treatise on Re-Baptism Supporting witness
2. Therefore, for those who begin a discussion of saving and new baptism, that is, spiritual and evangelical baptism, the first thing that comes before them is the announcement that is known everywhere, made and begun by John the Baptist. He departed somewhat from the law, that is, from the most ancient baptism of Moses, and prepared the way for the new and true grace. By the baptism of water and of repentance, which he practiced for a time, he gradually prepared the Jews to listen. He also laid hold of them by announcing a spiritual baptism that was to come, urging them and saying, "He that comes after me is mightier than I, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose: He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire," Matthew 3:11. For this reason, we also ought to begin this discussion from this point. For in the Acts of the Apostles, after His resurrection, the Lord confirmed this same word of John and commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for that promise of the Father, "which," He says, "you have heard from me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days from now," Acts 1:4-5. Peter also repeate
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Origen, Commentary on John Supporting witness
...ness. And he came into all the region around the Jordan preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins; as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare the way of the Lord, make His paths straight.” Luke, however, adds the continuation of the prophecy: “Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low, and the crooked shall become straight, and the rough ways smooth, and all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” He writes, like Mark, “Make His ways straight,” shortening, as we saw before, the text, “Make straight the ways of our God.” In the phrase, “And all the crooked shall become straight,” he leaves out the word “all,” and changes the word “straight” from plural to singular. Also, instead of the phrase, “The rough land into a plain,” he gives, “The rough ways into smooth ways.” And he leaves out, “And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed,” and gives what follows, “And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” These observations are useful because they show how the evangelists are accustomed to shorten the sayings of the prophets. It must also be observed that
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Anonymous, Treatise on Re-Baptism Supporting witness
... on this principle in the Church. So that the invocation of the name of Jesus, which cannot be done away with, may not seem to be held in disrespect by us, which certainly is not fitting. Although such an invocation, if none of those things of which we have spoken should follow it, may fail and be deprived of the effect of salvation. For when the apostle said that there was one baptism, Ephesians 4:5, it must necessarily have been because of the continuing effect of the invocation of the name of Jesus. Because once invoked, it cannot be taken away by any man, even though we might dare, against the decision of the apostles, to repeat it by giving too much, yes, by the desire of adding baptism on top of it. If the one who returns to the Church is unwilling to be baptized again, the result will be that we may defraud him of the baptism of the Spirit, though we think we must not defraud him of the baptism of water.
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Anonymous, Treatise on Re-Baptism Supporting witness
but at any time that they had come to the right mind, obtained by repentance a sound hope of salvation, especially when they received the Holy Spirit, to be baptized by Whom is the duty of every man, they would have intended some such thing.
Common Questions
Did early Christians think baptism forgave sins?
Yes. Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Tertullian, Cyprian, and Origen all connect baptism with remission, washing, or forgiveness of sins.
Which Bible verses link baptism and forgiveness of sins?
Acts 2:38, Mark 1:4, Luke 3:3, Titus 3:5, and Acts 22:16 are the clearest passages in this set.
Was John’s baptism also tied to forgiveness?
Yes, but early writers often treated John’s baptism as pointing forward to the fuller baptism that comes in Christ.
Source Index for Remission of sins in baptism
The guided sections above show the strongest quotations. This compact index highlights 160 ranked source links from 194 compiled sources for deeper study.
Source index 160 ranked links shown
Early Christian Writings 80 shown of 105
Primary-source quotations from early Christian writers and church documents.
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Clement of Rome, Connection to 2 Chronicles 7:14
Bible Passages 80 shown of 89
Related Bible passages saved for comparison with the early Christian quotations.
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