Question 45: Is baptism with water the washing away of sin itself? Answer: No, only the blood of Christ and the renewal of the Holy Spirit can cleanse us from sin. Baptism is an event that marks conversion to Christ. As such, it is closely associated with the spiritual blessings of conversion: the forgiveness of sins, the new birth, and the gift of the Holy Spirit. For example, Peter could say to his hearers on the day of Pentecost, "Repent and be baptized every one of you in

This week we begin with Question 45 of the New City Catechism, found in Part 3 (questions 36-52), which focuses on the Spirit, restoration, and growing in grace. Question 45: Is baptism with water the washing away of sin itself? Answer: No, only the blood of Christ and the renewal of the Holy Spirit can cleanse us from sin. The ordinances can only properly be received in faith, but it is important to keep in mind where our faith is directed when we receive them. We must not t

NOTE: I have modified some of the language in the answer to this question in alignment with my own Baptist convictions. Question 44: What is baptism? Answer: Baptism is immersion in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; it signifies our death and resurrection with Christ, our cleansing from sin, and our commitment to belong to the Lord and to his church. Does baptism save us? Although we may be tempted to answer that question with a quick "yes" or "no

The New Testament associates baptism with the forgiveness of sins and other spiritual blessings, but not as their cause.

Does the outward act of baptism accomplish the washing away of our sins?

Does baptism save us? According to 1 Peter 3:21, the answer is not an easy yes or no.