Heidelberg Catechism / Lord's Day 27 / Q. 73
Q. 73. Why then doth the Holy Ghost call baptism “the washing of regeneration” and the washing away of sins?
Question. Why then doth the Holy Ghost call baptism “the washing of regeneration” and the washing away of sins?
Answer. God speaks not thus without great cause, namely, not only thereby to teach us, that, as the filth of the body is purged away by water, so our sins are removed by the blood and Spirit of Jesus Christ (Rev. 1;5): but especially that, by this divine pledge and sign, he may assure us that we are spiritually cleansed from our sins as really as we are externally washed with water (Gal. 3;27).
Proofs.
- [proof-1] Rev. 1;5.—Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood.— Heb. 9;14.—Isa. 4;4—Titus 3;5.
- [proof-2] Gal. 3;27.—For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ.— Acts 2;38.