“As they traveled along the road and came to some water, the eunuch said, ‘Look, here is water. What can prevent me from being baptized?’… Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and Philip baptized him.” — Acts 8:36, 38 (BSB)
“Jesus answered, ‘Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.’” — John 3:5 (BSB)
“Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word.” — Ephesians 5:25–26 (BSB)
“And this water symbolizes the baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body, but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God.” — 1 Peter 3:21 (BSB)
Jesus Himself was baptized in water, and He commanded His disciples to baptize in the same way. This act of pouring, sprinkling, or immersion in water visibly marks a person as belonging to the covenant community of faith. The outward act cannot save by itself, but it serves as the means through which God applies His promise when joined to faith and the power of the Holy Spirit.
Article XXVII of the Thirty-Nine Articles declares Baptism to be “a sign of regeneration or new-birth,” and affirms that those who receive it rightly are “grafted into the Church.” The water of Baptism, when accompanied by faith, is not merely illustrative, but instrumental in conveying the grace of God.
Bishop J.C. Ryle wrote, “The water in Baptism, simple as it is, becomes a mighty witness to the soul. It is the sign of a washing which Christ alone can give, and it points the heart upward to the cross” (Knots Untied, 1874).
Canon Dr. John Yates III (Falls Church Anglican, ACNA) states, “Water is the outward sign, but the action of God is not outward only. As the water is poured, the Spirit is at work—marking, sealing, and incorporating us into Christ’s Body” (Catechesis Forum, 2021).
Rev. Dr. Joel Scandrett (Trinity School for Ministry) writes, “In the waters of Baptism, we see more than ritual. We see God’s covenant mercy made visible, a sign of our cleansing, death, and rebirth in Christ” (Anglican Catechism in Depth, 2020).
Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba (Church of Uganda) affirms, “Water alone does not save, but water with the Word of God and the name of the Trinity becomes the gateway to grace, life, and covenant membership” (Easter Message, 2022).
Thus, the outward and visible sign of water in Baptism visibly demonstrates the inward grace God gives—purifying the soul, uniting us to Christ, and making us part of His Church.
St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD): “The element is water, the Word is the Gospel. Together they become a sacrament—not by their nature, but by the institution of Christ.” — On Baptism, I.23
St. Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 130–202 AD): “Baptism is the bath of regeneration. The water cleanses the body, while the Spirit cleanses the soul, both under the name of the Trinity.” — Against Heresies, IV.36.4
St. Justin Martyr (c. 100–165 AD): “Those who are persuaded of the truth are brought to a place of water and are regenerated in the name of God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.” — First Apology, 61
An Anglican Catechism (Expanded) offers over 350+ Scripture-based answers to the core truths of the Christian faith. Each entry includes biblical texts, theological insight, and reflections from historic and contemporary Anglican voices. Rooted in the classical tradition, it is designed for teaching, discipleship, and spiritual formation.
An Ancient Worship Movement invites readers into the rich, historic worship of the early Church rediscovered through the Anglican tradition. This book calls believers into a deeper, Spirit-filled encounter with Christ through timeless practices.
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