Question 73: Why, then, does the Holy Spirit call baptism the washing of regeneration and the washing away of sins?
Question 73: Why, then, does the Holy Spirit call baptism the washing of regeneration and the washing away of sins?
Answer: There is sufficient reason for this. God intends to teach us that just as water washes away our filth, so the blood and Spirit of Christ wash away our sins. But more importantly, by this divine pledge and sign, God assures us that our spiritual washing away of sins is as real as our physical washing with water.
When a person washes his body, he becomes clean at the time, but over time, he becomes dirty again. Therefore, when he becomes dirty, he must wash again. This is the same concept that believers use to wash away sins with the blood of Jesus.
However, Jesus' blood accomplished a single atonement, and all sins are forgiven once for all for those who enter Christ. Hebrews 10:17-18, "And their sins and lawless deeds I will remember no more." Where these are forgiven, there is no longer any sacrifice for sin.
The blood of Jesus Christ shed on the cross has the power to forgive the sins of those who are in Christ once and for all. However, believers who daily demand the blood of Jesus for forgiveness of their sins are crucifying Jesus daily.
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