Paul says to Titus in the third chapter, verses 5-8: "According to His
mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the
Holy Ghost; which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ, our
Saviour; that being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs
according to the hope of eternal life. This is a faithful saying."
* * * * *
WHY BAPTISM HAS POWER TO CONFER SUCH BENEFITS.
IT IS NOT THE WATER, INDEED, THAT PRODUCES THESE EFFECTS. Water alone
cannot wash away sins. Yet the water of baptism is necessary, because
Christ has commanded its use, and has connected the promise of salvation
with it.
BUT THE WORD OF GOD WHICH ACCOMPANIES AND IS CONNECTED WITH THE WATER.
It is the Word of God, with its command and promise, that makes baptism
a sacrament, and gives it power to confer such great benefits. [John
6:63]
AND OUR FAITH WHICH RELIES ON THE WORD OF GOD CONNECTED WITH THE
WATER.[13] The baptism is a real baptism and offers these great benefits,
whether we believe or not.
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