Lord’s Day 26
Q71. Where does Christ promise that we are washed with his blood and Spirit just as surely as we are washed with baptism water?
When he says: "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." And: "Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned." Scripture also calls baptism "the washing of rebirth" and "the washing away of sins."
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
Matthew 28:19
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.”
Mark 16:16
“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”
Titus 3:5
“Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;”
Acts 22:16
“And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
What Bible passages does the catechism use to show that baptism carries a real promise?
- 2
Why is it important that Christ himself commanded baptism?
- 3
What does it mean to you that Scripture calls baptism "the washing of rebirth"?
Illustration
When a king puts his seal on a document, the document carries the full weight of the king's authority. No one can say the promise is not real. Christ commanded baptism and attached his own words to it. That makes the promise behind baptism as solid as Christ's own authority.
Application
Look up Matthew 28:19 together this week. Notice that Jesus ties baptism to the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Thank God that baptism carries his own authority and promise.