Skip to content
The Historic Faith
Sign in
Scripture Topic Guide

Bible Verses 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.

Study This Topic Next

Open the best tools and THF resources before the full reference list.

Key Passages

Jump into the first references before scanning the full Scripture map.

How to Study Remission Of Sins In Baptism

A tighter path from the primary text into context and application.

Start with the clearest command or anchor text Read the primary passage in context before building doctrine from supporting references.
Trace the apostolic pattern Compare how the apostles preached, practiced, warned, and applied this topic in the churches.
Connect to witness and formation Use early Christian sources, courses, lessons, and discussion questions only after the Bible map is clear.
Continue with connected study Use the attached Bible reader, cross-reference, original-language, and THF resource links to keep studying the topic in context.

Scripture Map

Grouped passages make the topic easier to scan, compare, and teach.

26 references

Foundation Texts

Acts 2:38 primary

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.

Key Bible verse directly naming baptism for remission of sins.

And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.

Direct command to rise, be baptized, and wash away sins.

Supporting Passages

John did baptize in the wilderness, and preach the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

John's baptism verse that many writers use as background.

And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins;

Another direct John verse used as background.

The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God,) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ:

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

Repentance and remission preached in his name, often paired with baptism.

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.

Shows John's baptism as preparatory and different from Christ's baptism.

And there went out unto him all the land of Judaea, and they of Jerusalem, and were all baptized of him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Be it known unto you therefore, men and brethren, that through this man is preached unto you the forgiveness of sins:

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

Important biblical background on washing of regeneration.

Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

And Moses brought Aaron and his sons, and washed them with water.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Remember not the sins of my youth, nor my transgressions: according to thy mercy remember thou me for thy goodness' sake, O LORD.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Wash me throughly from mine iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

And the garment, either warp, or woof, or whatsoever thing of skin it be, which thou shalt wash, if the plague be departed from them, then it shall be washed the second time, and shall be clean.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

Even such as he is able to get, the one for a sin offering, and the other for a burnt offering, with the meat offering: and the priest shall make an atonement for him that is to be cleansed before the LORD.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

And I will cleanse them from all their iniquity, whereby they have sinned against me; and I will pardon all their iniquities, whereby they have sinned, and whereby they have transgressed against me.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

And he that is to be cleansed shall wash his clothes, and shave off all his hair, and wash himself in water, that he may be clean: and after that he shall come into the camp, and shall tarry abroad out of his tent seven days.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.

And Elisha sent a messenger unto him, saying, Go and wash in Jordan seven times, and thy flesh shall come again to thee, and thou shalt be clean.

Scripture passage attached to the early Christian evidence page.