The Book of Confessions - The Presbyterian Leader

Q. 67. Are both the Word and the Sacraments designed to direct our faith to the
one sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross as the only ground of our salvation?
A. Yes, indeed, for the Holy Spirit teaches in the gospel and confirms by the holy
Sacraments that our whole salvation is rooted in the one sacrifice of Christ offered for us on the
cross.
Q. 68. How many Sacraments has Christ instituted in the New Testament?
A. Two, holy Baptism and the holy Supper.
Holy Baptism
Q. 69. How does holy Baptism remind and assure you that the one sacrifice of
Christ on the cross avails for you?
LORD'S DAY 26
A. In this way: Christ has instituted this external washing with water and by it has
promised that I am as certainly washed with his blood and Spirit from the uncleanness of my soul
and from all my sins, as I am washed externally with water which is used to remove the dirt from
my body.
Q. 70. What does it mean to be washed with the blood and Spirit of Christ?
A. It means to have the forgiveness of sins from God, through grace, for the sake of
Christ's blood which he shed for us in his sacrifice on the cross, and also to be renewed by the
Holy Spirit and sanctified as members of Christ, so that we may more and more die unto sin and
live in a consecrated and blameless way.
Q. 71. Where has Christ promised that we are as certainly washed with his blood
and Spirit as with the water of baptism?
A. In the institution of Baptism which runs thus: "Go therefore and make disciples of
all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." "He
who believes and is baptized will be saved: but he who does not believe will be condemned." This
promise is also repeated where the Scriptures call baptism "the water of rebirth" and the washing
away of sins.
Q. 72. Does merely the outward washing with water itself wash away sins?
LORD'S DAY 27
A. No; for only the blood of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit cleanse us from all sins.
Q. 73. Then why does the Holy Spirit call baptism the water of rebirth and the
washing away of sins?
A. God does not speak in this way except for a strong reason. Not only does he teach
Copyright © 1996 by the Office of the General Assembly, Presbyterian Church (USA)