"We don't think of our baptism enough. Whether you were baptized as an adult or a child or even an infant, you should think of your baptism often. This may mean remembering the actual event of your baptism or simply remembering that you are baptized and have been sealed with the promise of God's forgiveness. When you trip up and overeat to the point of gluttony, when you lose it with your kids, when you lament that you have such a critical spirit, you sould remember your baptism. By faith you are forgiven and have been washed clean. Baptism is that reminder, a symbol of forgiveness we have recieved." Kevin DeYoung. The Good News We Almost Forgot. 127-128.

 

Question 72: Does this outward washing with water itself wash away sins?

Answer: No, only Jesus Christ's blood and the Holy Spirit cleanse us from all sins.

 

Question 73: Why then does the Holy Spirit call baptism the washing of rebirth and the washing away of sins?

Answer: God has good reason for these words. He wants to teach us that the blood and Spirit of Christ wash away our sins just as water washes away dirt from our bodies. But more important, He wants to assure us, by this divine pledge and sign, that the washing away of sins spiritually is as real as physical washing with water. 

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