Heidelberg Catechism

Question 71. Where does Christ promise that we are washed with his blood and Spirit as surely as we are washed with the water of baptism?

Answer: In the institution of baptism where he says:

Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. (a)

Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. (b)

This promise is repeated where Scripture calls baptism the washing of rebirth (c) and the washing away of sins. (d)

(Scriptural proofs after the fold.)

a. Matthew 28:19

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 … .

b. Mark 16:16

Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 

c. Titus 3:5

… he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit … .

d. Acts 22:16

And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name.