OC | Question 76-78

76. Where does Christ promise that we are washed with his blood and Spirit as surely as we are washed with the water of baptism?

In the institution of baptism where he says: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” 209 “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”210 This promise is repeated when Scripture calls baptism the washing of rebirth 211 and the washing away of sins.212

^ 209. Matt. 28:19
^ 210. Mark 16:16
^ 211. Titus 3:5
^ 212. Acts 22:16

77. Does this outward washing with water itself wash away sins?

No, only Jesus Christ’s blood and the Holy Spirit cleanse us from all sins.213

^ 213. Matt. 3:11; 1 Pet. 3:21; 1 John 1:7

78. Why then does the Holy Spirit call baptism the washing of

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.214 But more important, he wants to assure us, by this divine pledge and sign, that the washing away of our sins spiritually is as real as physical washing with water.215

^ 214. Matt. 3:11; 1 Pet. 3:21; 1 John 1:7
^ 215. Acts 2:38; Rom. 6:3-4; Gal. 3:27