Saturday, April 2, 2011

Why then does the Holy Spirit call Baptism the washing of regeneration and the washing away of sins?

Heidelberg Catechism

Question 73. Why then does the Holy Spirit call Baptism the washing of regeneration and the washing away of sins?

Answer. God speaks thus with great cause, namely, not only to teach us thereby that just as the filthiness of the body is taken away by water, so our sins are taken away by the blood and Spirit of Christ;[1] but much more, that by this divine pledge and token He may assure us that we are as really washed from our sins spiritually as our bodies are washed with water.[2]

[1] 1 Cor 6:11; Rev 1:5, 7:14; [2] Acts 2:38; Rom 6:3-4; Gal 3:27

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