New City Catechism Question Forty-Five

Summary

The conversation explores the question of whether baptism with water is the washing away of sin itself. Different positions within Christianity are discussed, including the belief that baptism is salvific and the practice of re-baptism. The importance of understanding that baptism is a sign and seal of salvation, not the thing that saves, is emphasized. The answer to the question is that only the blood of Christ and the renewal of the Holy Spirit can cleanse us from sin.

Takeaways

Baptism with water is not the washing away of sin itself; only the blood of Christ and the renewal of the Holy Spirit can cleanse us from sin. Different Christian traditions have different beliefs about the salvific nature of baptism. Baptism is a sign and seal of salvation, showing us what saves us and applying that salvation to our hearts. Understanding the true meaning of baptism helps us appreciate the significance of the blood of Christ and the renewal of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

Chapters

00:00 Is Baptism with Water the Washing Away of Sin Itself? 01:56 Different Beliefs about the Salvific Nature of Baptism 03:23 Baptism as a Sign and Seal of Salvation 05:17 The Blood of Christ and the Renewal of the Holy Spirit