“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. This promise belongs to you and your children and to all who are far off…’” — Acts 2:38–39 (BSB)
“For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.” — Galatians 3:27 (BSB)
“For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free, and we were all given one Spirit to drink.” — 1 Corinthians 12:13 (BSB)
“He saved us… through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we would become heirs with the hope of eternal life.” — Titus 3:5–7 (BSB)
Baptism cleanses from sin, not by the power of water itself, but by the Spirit working through the sacrament. It is the instrument through which I am made a child of God, forgiven, and brought into His Church. Through it, I receive a new identity—I am clothed with Christ and called to walk in the light of His kingdom. Baptism does not complete salvation, but it begins a lifelong journey of discipleship and sanctification.
The Thirty-Nine Articles, in Article XXVII, teach that Baptism is “a sign of regeneration or new birth” and that “they that receive Baptism rightly are grafted into the Church.” The grace given in Baptism is real and effectual, not because of the act alone, but because of God’s promise and the working of His Spirit through faith.
Bishop J.C. Ryle wrote, “Baptism does not confer grace mechanically, but neither is it empty. It is the door through which Christ welcomes the believer, the badge of the forgiven, and the mark of the regenerate” (Knots Untied, 1874).
Rev. Dr. Joel Scandrett (Trinity School for Ministry) explains, “In Baptism, we are united to the crucified and risen Christ. We are adopted into God’s family, forgiven, sealed with the Spirit, and given a new identity as His sons and daughters” (Anglican Catechism in Depth, 2020).
Canon Dr. John Yates III (Falls Church Anglican, ACNA) writes, “Baptism makes real what Christ has done. It does not save apart from faith, but when received rightly, it is the moment when heaven’s promises are signed, sealed, and delivered” (Catechesis Forum, 2021).
Archbishop Stephen Kaziimba (Church of Uganda) affirms, “Through Baptism, God claims us as His own, gives us the Holy Spirit, and calls us to walk in His ways. It is the beginning of the Christian life, not the end” (Confirmation Address, 2022).
Therefore, Baptism is a holy gateway into the life of grace. It joins me to Christ, cleanses my sins, fills me with the Spirit, and calls me into lifelong communion with the Triune God and His Church.
St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD): “By water and the Spirit, the soul is washed, the guilt is removed, and the child is born of God. Baptism is the sacrament of the new birth.” — Sermon 229
St. Irenaeus of Lyons (c. 130–202 AD): “Those who are baptized are cleansed by the water, made new by the Spirit, and adopted by the Father. Thus they enter eternal life.” — Against Heresies, III.17.1
St. Justin Martyr (c. 100–165 AD): “Through Baptism, we are enlightened, forgiven, and regenerated. We become the children of God and are made new by Christ’s grace.” — 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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