Lord’s Day 26
Q72. Does the water of baptism itself wash away sins?
No. Only the blood of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit can clean us from all sins.
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
Matthew 3:11
1 Peter 3:21
“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:”
1 John 1:7
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.”
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
Does the water of baptism itself wash away sins?
- 2
Why is it important to know that only Christ's blood and Spirit can clean us from sin?
- 3
What would go wrong if someone believed the water itself had the power to save?
Illustration
A name tag at school tells people your name, but it does not make you who you are. You were already that person before the tag was pinned on. Baptism water is the sign, but the cleaning power comes from Jesus alone. The sign points to him. It does not replace him.
Application
If someone asked you whether being baptized is what saves a person, practice explaining that baptism is a sign pointing to Christ, who is the one with power to forgive and cleanse.