Catechism Question 76
Question 76: Does water baptism itself regenerate or wash away sin?
No, it is only the sign that points to the regeneration which is done by the Holy Spirit, and the washing away of sin which comes by the blood of Christ and is received by faith alone.
Focus and Purpose of this Question
In the previous question, we looked at water baptism and its benefits. In this question, we consider if water baptism itself actually accomplishes regeneration or cleansing from sin, or if it is merely a pointer to these realities.
This is important because we must remember that sacraments are not the reality itself, but rather a sign and symbol that points us to the reality. In this case, water baptism points to the reality of regeneration (being born again), which occurs by the work of the Holy Spirit, and the cleansing of sin, which happens by the blood of Christ.
In the coming questions, we will look at other questions related to water baptism such as the proper mode and recipients for water baptism. For now, it is important just to be able to correctly identify the limits of water baptism – what it actually does and does not do.
Additional Questions:
Are you born again by being water baptized? Does it actually wash away your sins?
Scripture References:
Titus 3:5–6
He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6 whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior.
1 Corinthians 6:11
And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.
Romans 5:1–2
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.
Galatians 3:26–27
You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, 27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.
Romans 4:9–12
Is this blessedness only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? We have been saying that Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness. 10 Under what circumstances was it credited? Was it after he was circumcised, or before? It was not after, but before! 11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. So then, he is the father of all who believe but have not been circumcised, in order that righteousness might be credited to them. 12 And he is also the father of the circumcised who not only are circumcised but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.
1 John 1:7
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
Romans 3:23–26
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25 God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished — 26 he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
1 John 2:1–2
My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense — Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
Acts 2:38–39
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off — for all whom the Lord our God will call.”
Acts 22:16
And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.
1 Peter 3:21
This water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also — not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Questions for Further Discussion:
Are your sins forgiven because you are baptized in water? What actually washes away sin?
Are you born again because you are baptized in water? How are you actually regenerated?
If water baptism does not actually regenerate or wash away sin, then explain verses like Acts 2:38-39, Acts 22:16, and 1 Peter 3:21. Why do they seem to link water baptism so strongly with regeneration and the cleansing of sin?
Can you name some verses that show that we are born again by the work of the Spirit – and not by water baptism? Can you name verses that show we are cleansed by the blood of Christ and not by water baptism?
What if someone said that sins are washed away by the blood of Christ, but we access the blood of Christ by water baptism? How would you respond? What is the only way we access the benefits of Christ’s atoning work on the cross?
Additional Information:
This question is based on questions 72-73 of the Heidelberg Catechism, and question 45 of the New City Catechism. Any resources you find on the Heidelberg or New City Catechisms will have a good discussion on this question.
For additional information, see the teaching series “Water Baptism” taught during 2010, especially the teaching “The Limits of Baptism” (March 28, 2010).
Suggested Worship Song:
Nothing But the Blood of Jesus (Words and Music by Robert Lowry, 1876)
What can wash away my sin?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
What can make me whole again?
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Refrain
Oh! precious is the flow
That makes me white as snow;
No other fount I know,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
For my pardon, this I see,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
For my cleansing this my plea,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Refrain
Nothing can for sin atone,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
Naught of good that I have done,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Refrain
This is all my hope and peace,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus;
This is all my righteousness,
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Refrain
Now by this I’ll overcome—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus,
Now by this I’ll reach my home—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.
Refrain
Glory! Glory! This I sing—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus,
All my praise for this I bring—
Nothing but the blood of Jesus.